Whangarei City
Whangarei Falls Grade 2 - 3. Duration 30 minutes return.
Five kilometers northeast of the city the Hatea River tumbles spectacularly over a basalt lava flow that occurred two and a half million years ago and is 26m high.
A paved pathway leads a short distance from the car park to the first viewing platform. You can cross the top of the waterfall using the small bridge provided and continue on the path to the foot of the falls where there is a lovely bush fringed pool.
Picnic tables make it a popular spot for families and visitors.
Mount Parihaka Scenic Reserve Grade 2-4. Duration 1.5 – 2 hrs return
Different options for varying levels of fitness, departing from Mair Park, Rurumoki Street (off Hatea Drive)
Well marked trails follow the Hatea River through native forest. Special features include interpretation of a Pa (Maori fortification) and panoramic views of city and harbour from the summit.
Mount Parihaka is an old eroded volcanic cone rising 241 meters above sea level. It was once the site of the largest Maori Pa in New Zealand, and a significant battle and massacre took place there in the 1700’s. There are extensive remnants of Maori settlement extending along 3km of ridge and including three heavily defended pa sites.
Waimahanga Walkway Grade 1 -3. Duration each section 10 – 20 minutes one way.
Flat walk around the base of Onerahi hill then through the mangroves on the old train slip way. Lots of recent planting of natives, banksia and eucalyptus to bring the birds. Tuis abound when the banksia flowers. Lots of interesting small snapping crawling creatures to be seen in amongst the mangrove roots at low tide. Walk one way or do the return trip. Start out from Waimahanga Rd, George Point Road, Waverley Street or Cockburn St.
A.H. Reed Kauri Park Grade 1 - 3. Duration 15 – 30 minutes one way
Walks range from easy, to some challenge at the waterfall end. View the wonderful symmetry of tree ferns by looking down from the canopy walkway, two 500 year old kauris, plus ‘teenage’ Kauris (‘rickers’) dotted along the walkway. Park is designed for disability access (Canopy, Alexander track from middle car park on Whareora Road specifically.)
Coronation Scenic Reserve Grade 2 – 4. Duration - Tracks vary between 15 minutes and 2 hrs one way.
Parts of the track are narrow and steep and may be slippery when wet. Walkers should be physically fit and appropriately dressed for all weather.
The track from Kauika Rd passes through the remnants of an extensive pa which was 300m long and included more than 100 storage pits. The goldmine alongside Rust Track was driven in the 1870’s but proved uneconomic.
Whangarei Heads
Mount Manaia Grade 4. Duration 2 hours return.
A spiraling walk up this bush-clad mountain leads to a spectacular view of the harbour, coastline & offshore islands at the Bluff lookout. For the adventurous (and the young!) there is a steep alternative route down aided by steel cables. The eroded skeleton of an andesite cone, Mt Manaia is 16 – 22 million years old. Rare bush and exposed rocky ridge plants can be found along with birdlife similar to offshore island groups.
Many legends surround the mountain and it’s dramatic rock summit – which is thought to be the chief Manaia (largest peak) and his family of children (smaller pinnacles) and his unfaithful wife (last rock ‘facing away’ from Manaia.)
Mount Aubrey Grade 4. Duration 4 hours return.
Starts with an up hill climb through paddock, then undulates through bush and emerges at a look-out area near rocky outcrops. Provides a view of all the harbour bays, to the sweep of white beach down to Bream Tail. The adjoining track that runs from Reotahi to Little Munroe Bay is wide, graveled and a short 20 minute stroll.
Bream Head Scenic Reserve Grade 4 - 5. Duration - Full walk 6 hours one way with shorter walks available. (Peach Cove 3 hours return).
From Urquharts Bay or Ocean Beach this walk offers spectacular coastal, sea and harbour views. Highlights include radar station and Mt Lion (Maturiki).
Steep start and finish to walk with undulating slopes between.
Smugglers' Cove Length: 2km Time: 1 hour return
Located at the entrance of the Whangarei Harbour, near Bream Head, the view out from the cove to the offshore islands alone is worth the walk, but there’s also excellent swimming, fishing and diving. Hillside pits and terraces, and large shell middens amongst the dunes are evidence of early Maori settlement. An interesting alternative is to follow the harbours edge from the car park to Home’s Point and the remains of the World War II coastal defences overlooking the harbour entrance.
Tutukaka Coast
Whale Bay Grade 1. Duration - 30 minutes return
Well maintained track, easy walk. Popular, idyllic beach for picnics and swimming.
Track leads from the car park off Matapouri Rd, through native bush affording spectacular views of Whale Bay and up the coast towards Cape Brett.
Whananaki Coastal Walkway Grade 3. Duration 2 hours one way.
Access via McAustin Road, Sandy Bay from the south end. Coastal ridges and farm land track give access to Sheltered Bay and the Capitaine Bougainville monument to the north end at the Whananaki spit reserve. From here continuing on a way will bring you to the foot bridge for Whananaki north settlement.
Tutukaka Head Grade 2. Duration 1 hour return.
Good shoes recommended, choose an hour either side of the tide. Access to the car park and reserve is via a right of way off Matapouri Rd, 400m past the turn off to the Tutukaka Marina.
A grassy track follows the headland out across the reserve where many trees have been planted over the years by local school children. Seating is provided in several spots. The descent to the beach is stepped and well maintained leading to a pebbly causeway across to Kukutauwhao Island.
Close to low tide cross the causeway and follow the well marked track which climbs up the side of the island to the beacon and great coastal views.
Bream Bay
Waipu Caves Grade 2. Duration 1 hour return
The walkway runs from the entrance to Waipu Caves on Waipu Caves Rd, through the Waipu Caves Scenic Reserve on Ormiston Rd. The track climbs a leading ridge through farmland dotted with native trees offering excellent views then passes through scenic reserve down to the valley and cave area. There is good headroom inside the cave entrance although it’s wet and slippery. There are impressive limestone formations and glow-worms but the inner reach of the cave should only be entered by experienced cavers. You need good footwear and a torch.
Waipu Gorge – Piroa Falls Grade 2. Duration 10 minutes one way
Piroa Falls Track in Waipu Gorge Scenic Reserve is signposted from SH1 at the northern foot of the Brynderwyn Hills. The track is a short, steep zigzag
down through bush to the gorge and waterfall. There are good swimming holes.
District
Pukenui Walkway Grade 1 – 3. Duration 4 hours return. Access is from Three Mile Bush Rd.
After crossing open pasture with some attractive dry stone walls, the track enters the forest on a generally easy going loop through a variety of forest types. There are good picnic spots along the Mangere Stream.
Waikaraka Walkway Grade 1 – 3. Duration 1 ½ - 2 hours one way.
This can be walked uphill from the end of Cartwright Rd, Onerahi, or downhill from Mt Tiger Rd (off Whareora Rd). The walkway passes farmland, pine plantations and areas of regenerating native forest, with fine views of the city and harbour. The track is steep in places and can be slippery when wet.
Otaika Valley Walkway. Grade 3 – 4. Duration 2 hours one way.
Steep initial climb through bush from Otaika Valley Road to the reserves northern boundary. The walk progresses through an impressive patch of Nikau with stands of Rimu further in and the Kauris are the reward for those who go to the furthest end of the walk.
Tangihua Range . Grade 4 - 5
Long and short walks between Tangihua Road and Omana Road. Carry water as there are no streams. Some tracks are irregularly used requiring fitness and good orientation skills. There is a Lion’s Club lodge, a hut and camp site available for public use.
Guided Walks
Green Gecko Natural & Historic Tours - With 17 years as Education and Community Relations officer with the Department of Conservation, Gerry Brackenbury will introduce you to the people, the places and provide a quality nature ecology tour to maximise your time in Northland. Trips can include:
- a kiwi crèche on Limestone Island. Hear kiwi calling at Trounson Kauri Park - - a gunfighter Maori pa (stockade). Hear about early trench warfare
- conservation of endangered New Zealandbirds
- an extinct volcanic crater and unique wetland forest
- a kauri forest, and nature tours amongst New Zealand giants.
- conservation in action and the incredible efforts of local volunteers to help restore endangered wildlife.
- special nature tours to cater to your individual interests
www.greengeckotours.co.nz