Cape Reinga Road to Pandora via Kauri Bush
Walking track
Time:
2 hr
Distance:
6 km
Getting there
Cape Reinga and Te Paki are located at the northernmost area of New Zealand on the small, narrow Aupouri Peninsula, approximately 60 km north of Kaitaia. Just follow State Highway 1 north.
From Te Paki onwards, follow Cape Reinga Road. Cape Reinga Road is an unsealed road and gets very busy over the summer months. Please drive slowly and take extra caution.
You can access Pandora only by foot via the Cape Reinga Coastal Walkway or from the Cape Reinga Road, which follows on from SH 1.
About the area
Cape Reinga and Te Paki are on the northern tip of the North Island, an area steeped in history and Maori tradition. The area provides easy access to idyllic campgrounds, great walking tracks and picnic areas.
Description
Up on Darkies Ridge
From Cape Reinga Road, the track follows an old vehicle track through low manuka shrub leading you to Pandora, a beautiful sandy bay.
After about 30 minutes a 2 km, 40-minute side track leads from Cape Reinga Road to Kauri Bush, a remnant of kauri forest that once covered the Far North. The detour will take you about 1 hour 30 minutes return.
Another side track, a further 1 km up the road to the right, leads up to Te Paki trig – the highest point in the area. On your way to the summit you can get great views to Spirits Bay / Kapowairua and on a clear day you can see North Cape.
A further 5 minutes along the track you reach the junction with Darkies Ridge. From here you can walk to Pandora or carry on toTapotupotu Bay.
Places to stay
This is a standard campsite in the Kaitaia area.
This is a standard campsite in the Kaitaia area.
Plan and prepare
Trampers need to be fit and self sufficient. Carry water as streams along way can dry up over summer. Ensure your tent is mosquito proof.
What to expect on a walking track:
- Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
- Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
- Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
- Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required
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