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Tracks & walks

Northland

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Northland

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Places to visit in Kaitaia area

Kaitaia area

List these tracks by category:

Ara Pou (pou trail)

As you travel towards Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga) you see pou (large posts) indicating places of interest to stop and learn about the unique stories and natural beauty of this spectacular landscape.
Category: Short walk

Cape Reinga Coastal Walkway

This scenic track follows the rugged coastline of Cape Reinga and descends to Te Werahi and Twilight beaches. Self-sufficient camping is available.
Category: Walking track
Distance: 53 km to Te Paki Stream
Completion Time: 3-4 days to Te Paki Stream
Alert: Track upgrade work 31 January - 31 March 2012.

Cape Reinga Lighthouse Walk

Take a short stroll from the Cape Reinga car park down to the lighthouse. From here you can enjoy the outstanding panoramic views and pay respect to a site that is steeped in Maori tradition.
Category: Easy access short walk
Distance: 100 m
Completion Time: 10 min

Cape Reinga to Te Werahi Beach

From Cape Reinga this 1.25-km track follows the West Coast leading you down past steep cliffs to the long, sweeping Te Werahi Beach.
Category: Walking track
Distance: 1.25 km to Te Werahi Beach
Completion Time: 30 min
Alert: Track upgrade work 31 January - 31 March 2012.

Fig Tree Track

This loop track takes you to the highest point in Maitai Bay giving you scenic views across Karikari Peninsula and Puwheke.
Category: Walking track
Distance: 4.9 km
Completion Time: 3 hr return

Herekino Forest Track

The 15-km Herekino Forest Track passes through forest that is home to many rare and threatened species including the North Island brown kiwi, long-tailed bat and kauri snail.
Category: Tramping track
Distance: 15 km
Completion Time: 9 hr

Kaitaia Walkway - route

Take a 1.5-hour return walk on the Kaitaia Walkway to get to a lovely kauri grove. For the hearty tramper, continue on the walkway as it climbs up to a saddle which affords panoramic views.
Category: Route
Distance: 4 km
Completion Time: 1.5 hr

Kaitaia Walkway - short walk

Take a 1.5-hour return walk on the Kaitaia Walkway to get to a lovely kauri grove. For the hearty tramper, continue on the walkway as it climbs up to a saddle which affords panoramic views.
Category: Short walk
Distance: 4 km
Completion Time: 1.5 hr

Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) to Pandora

This 4-hour walk along beautiful Spirits Bay takes you to Pandora where you can stop to observe shore birds or camp for the night.
Category: Walking track
Distance: 8.5 km
Completion Time: 4 hr
Alert: Track upgrade work 31 January - 31 March 2012.

Karikari Bay Walk

This very short track takes you to a long, white sandy beach on Northland's Karikari Peninsula.
Category: Short walk
Distance: 400 m
Completion Time: 5 min

Lake Ngatu Track

Just a 15-minute drive north of Kaitaia, Lake Ngatu is a freshwater dune lake and recreation reserve. The lake is popular with water sport enthusiasts and other day visitors.
Category: Walking track
Distance: 4 km
Completion Time: 1 hr

Lake Ohia Gumhole Reserve Walk

This short historical walk takes you through manuka scrub passing a series of excavated gumholes.
Category: Walking track
Completion Time: 10 min return

Maitai Bay Headland Track

Pass through farmland and manuka scrubland to Maitai Bay Headlands, where you can enjoy scenic views of Waikato Bay and Maitai Bay.
Category: Tramping track
Distance: 3.45 km return
Completion Time: 1.5 hr return

Mangamuka Tramping Track

The Mangamuka Tramping Track takes you through scenic Raetea Forest, a track made for the adventurous at heart.
Category: Tramping track
Distance: 9 km
Completion Time: 9-10 hr

Pandora to Tapotupotu Bay

This 9-km walk between Pandora and Tapotupotu Bay mainly follows old farm tracks until you reach idyllic Tapotupotu Bay.
Category: Walking track
Distance: 9 km
Completion Time: 3 hr 15 min
Alert: Track upgrade work 31 January - 31 March 2012.

Pandora Track

This 6-km walking track leads you past a remnant kauri forest to Pandora, a beautiful sandy bay.
Category: Walking track
Distance: 6 km
Completion Time: 2 hr

Rarawa Beach Walk

This short walking track takes you to Rarawa beach.
Category: Short walk
Distance: 500 m
Completion Time: 20 min

Tapotupotu Bay to Cape Reinga

This 4.5-km track takes you past the lovely beach of Sandy Bay to the Cape Reinga lighthouse.
Category: Walking track
Distance: 4.5 km
Completion Time: 2 hr 30 min one way
Alert: Track upgrade work 31 January - 31 March 2012.

Taumarumaru Scenic Reserve Walk

Taumarumaru Scenic Reserve is mostly an open area and tracks are identified by mowing and track markers. A short walk over the reserve is rewarded with great views and access to a small beach.
Category: Short walk
Completion Time: 40 min

Te Werahi Beach to Twilight Beach

Experience gorgeous peach-coloured dunes, unusual dune grasses, and views of Cape Maria van Diemen and Motuopao Island on this 3-hour track to Twilight Beach.
Category: Walking track
Distance: 7.25 km
Completion Time: 3 hr
Alert: Track upgrade work 31 January - 31 March 2012.

Twilight - Te Werahi Loop Track

The round-trip walk is 16 km in length and takes 4.5-5 hours to complete. The walkway crosses farmlands and dunes.
Category: Tramping track
Distance: 16 km loop
Completion Time: 4 hr 30 min - 5 hr return

Twilight Beach to Te Paki Stream

This 4-hour track leads you past Scott Point to the famous 90 Mile Beach and the Te Paki sand dunes.
Category: Walking track
Distance: 12 km
Completion Time: 4 hr
Alert: Track upgrade work 31 January - 31 March 2012.

Warawara Forest Track

This 22-km tramping track offers the backcountry adventurer a great tramping experience in one of Northland's wilderness area.
Category: Tramping track
Distance: 22 km
Completion Time: 2 days

Find out more

Publications

Easy access walks - North Island
Easy access walks - South Island

Weather

Maps

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Learn more

Track category definitions

Plan and prepare for your trip

The Great Walks

Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Kauri dieback disease is attacking kauri trees in Northland. Find out how to stop it spreading.

Safety

Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

Alerts for Northland tracks

Tips for driving on unsealed roads

Contacts

Kaitaia Area Office
Phone:	+64 9 408 6014

Email:
Full office details

Te Paki Field Base
Phone:	+64 9 409 8427


Full office details

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