Pandora to Tapotupotu Bay
Alert/Important notice
Track upgrade work 31 January - 31 March 2012.
The track is open but if you approach an area where contractors are working please make your presence known. For further information please contact the Kaitaia Area Office +64 9 408 6014.
Track category
Walking track
Time:
3 hr 15 min
Distance:
9 km
Description
A tramper walks along the beach at
Pandora
Pandora to Darkies Ridge
Time: 45 min
This track mainly follows old farm tracks - reminders of the past use of this area. Follow the main track up the hill and into the scrub. A lovely small creek descends on your right. This is a natural place to replenish your water supply, if the stream is flowing at this time of year. Look back for views of Spirits Bay as you ascend.
The track guides you up through vegetation, climbing steadily until your reach a junction. The main track leads you up the hill back to the road, but you will want to turn right, following the sign to Tapotupotu Bay.
From the junction, if you do not wish to continue to Tapotupotu Bay, you can walk the Pandora Track to Cape Reinga Road via Kauri Bush.
Darkies Ridge to Tapotupotu Bay Campground
Time: 2 hr 30 min
Scenic views along the Pandora -
Tapotupotu Bay track
The 4WD track undulates along the top of Darkies Ridge, with long views across the Te Paki Reserves, Te Paki Farm and to both the north and west coasts, including the sand dunes, Cape Maria Van Diemen, and the distant Cape Reinga lighthouse.
Fernbirds and Grey Warblers as well as pink and white manuka (in spring) are a highlight on this section.
The track eventually leads you back to the coastal cliffs with dozens of pohutukawa clinging to the cliffs. As you progress along this section, look carefully for an orange marker pointing you left and down the hill. This is a permanent detour off the original trail to Tapotupotu. (If you miss it, you will face a dauntingly steep and eroded descent peppered with loose rocks!)
This track from Pandora to Tapotupotu Bay forms part of the Cape Reinga Coastal Walkway.
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. Follow State Highway 1 north to Waitiki Landing. Then on 20 km to Cape Reinga.
North of Waitiki the road surface changes from tar-seal to loose gravel for approximately 18 km.
Cape Reinga Road is an unsealed road and gets very busy over the summer months. Please drive slowly and take extra caution.
You have vehicle access to Tapotupotu - the turn off from Cape Reinga Road to Tapotupotu is signposted.
Places to stay
There is also freedom camping (no facilities) available on the near side of the river.
Plan and prepare
You should try to time your arrival at Tapotupotu to avoid high tide, as a tidal river separates you from the campground. You can freedom camp on the near side of the river if the tide prevents easy crossing.
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