Bay of Islands Walks and Tracks

Marsden Cross Track – Length: 2.3km Time: 40 mins

The Marsden Cross monument, commemorating the 1 st sermon preached in New Zealand, is in Oihi Bay on the Purerua Peninsula. The track is signposted off Rangihoua Road, 36km from Kerikeri. It can also be approached by the sea.

Ruapekapeka Pa – Length: 500m Time: 15 mins.

16km south of Kawakawa, this was the site of the last Northland land war between Ngapuhi warriors and the British. Interpretive signs explain the significance of trenches and dug-outs.

Waitangi National Trust Mangrove Walk – Length: 6km Time: 2.5hours

From the treaty grounds the track follows the bush clad banks of the Waitangi River to Haruru Falls. A board walk section passes through mangrove forest.

Urupukapuka Island Archaeological Walk – Length: 7.3km Time: 5 hours

This track generally follows the outer edge of the island passing various archaeological features. Behind Indico Bay a short walk leads to a dam and a wildlife hide.

Cape Brett Tramping Track – Length: 20km Time: 8 hours

This challenging tramping track begins at Oke Bay, 26km from Russell. It requires a high level of fitness and experience, but is rewarded by spectacular coastal views. The peninsula is also rich in cultural history.

Puketi Forest Walks - various

The Puketi and Omahuta Forest offers a diverse range of walking and tramping opportunities. Easily accessible from the Bay of Islands and Hokianga Harbour. More info

Guided Walks

Kiwi Eco Tours/Cape Brett Walkways - provides a truly personalised insight into the cultural, historic and scenic splendour of the Bay of Islands, offering eco-tour packages to suit most people. These may include being taken to a deserted cove on board the 11-metre catamaran 'Matariki' for a seafood picnic lunch, snorkelling or ambling along a bush track to the Cape Brett peninsula. www.kiwiecotours.co.nz

Fernz Eco Tours - offer personalised tours owned and operated by Fern Jobbitt a born and bred local who is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience of the region. From the ancient kauri forests, rich cultural history, remarkable coastal scenery, we will help enrich any visitor's experience. www.fernzecotours.co.nz

Bushman’s Friend – get off the beaten track and immerse yourself in Whangaroa’s beautiful native bush and natural harbour. The 5.6km guided bush walk and return boat trip is the only way to experience one of the most breathtaking and scenic areas in New Zealand. An active outdoor adventure with local guide and native plant expert Tony Foster. www.bushmansfriend.co.nz

Living Leaves Guided Nature Walks – offers you the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of plants in the subtropical rainforest of northern New Zealand. A qualified biologist will guide you in small groups of no more than 6 people through the forest and along the Kerikeri River and through Puketi Forest. www.livingleaves.co.nz

Wharepuke Subtropical Garden - For anyone who is interested in different and unusual plants Robin Booth will take you on a descriptive garden ramble. He has heard about other peoples interests in plants and made new contacts for the introduction of plants he doesn't have. The leisurely walk takes about two hours and you get the opportunity to try different fruit that are ripe at the time and you can usually end up with a cutting or two as a bonus. Different plants are at their best at different times so that there is always something of pleasure to see.
www.sub-tropicals.co.nz

Adventure Puketi - Walk through the heart of the Puketi Forest and experience one of New Zealand's subtropical rainforests.

See great views of the Bay of Islands and surrounding farmland. Your forest walk guide, Ian Candy, has forty years living besides and tramping within Puketi forest. Ian grew up in the area and feels totally at home on every trail.

Experience:

- subtropical rainforest diverse flora and fauna

- remnants of the greatest New Zealand native Kauri tree ever felled

- visit a sanctuary protected since 1951 for the giant Kauri tree

- unusual stunning stands of New Zealand Kauri forest trees

- hard beech forest along the banks of Northland's Puketi River

www.adventure-puketi.co.nz