Russell
Russell and Te Rawhiti peninsula provide a wonderful choice of walks and tramps (hikes).
There is a variety of short walks available from Russell. Visit native kauri trees in Ngaiotonga forest which are only a short walk from the road and easily accessible.
The Cape Brett Walk is spectacular although challenging and requires a reasonable degree of fitness. Other tracks such as the walk to Oke Bay or Whangamumu harbour are equally beautiful but shorter and suitable for most people. Most are well signed and maps for Department of Conservation maintained walks are available from the Northland's visitor centres
- A new walkway linking Okiato with Russell via Orongo Bay is in its final stage of completion (Jan 2011). Built by volunteers, the track starts at the mangroves and wetlands at Pipiroa Bay and winds up a gentle valley through lush coastal forest containing stands of tall Tanekaha (Celery Pine), Kahikitea and Kohekohe and over boardwalks through mangroves and past Orongo Bay oyster farms.
-
Cape Brett track is 26 km northeast of Russell, and can be accessed by land or sea. Distance and time: 20 km / 8 hours. This challenging tramping track requires a high degree of fitness and experience, but you will be rewarded by spectacular coastal views.
By Land: The track begins from Oke Bay, Rawhiti, 26 km from Russell or can be joined from the Whangamumu Track.
By Sea: For those people wanting access to the reserve by sea, landings can be made at either Deep Water Cove or at Cape Brett. Calm conditions are necessary to get ashore at Cape Brett landing. In adverse wind conditions, you can still come ashore at Deep Water Cove, except in south-westerly winds. From there it is a 2.5 hour walk to the lighthouse.
- Whangamumu Track 2.5 hours return. Easy and well formed. Suitable for people of most ages and fitness levels. It is a comfortable forest and beach walk into Whangamumu Harbour where one of New Zealand’s last remaining shore-based whaling stations was situated.
- Flagstaff Hill 45 minutes return. Site of the flagpole infamously chopped down by Hone Heke on more than one occassion. 100m above sea level it offers commanding 360 degree views of the Bay of Islands.
- Ngaiotonga Kauri Grove Walk and Twin Bole Kauri - 2 short walks into the forest located 16km south east of Russell
Join Northland on: Twitter Facebook YouTube Tumblr