Puriri Track
Walking track
Time:
1 hr 30 min - 2 hr return
Distance:
4.5 km
Getting there
Mimiwhangata Coastal Park is 48 km from Whangarei and 52 km from Russell. Take the old Whangarei-Russell coastal road, turn-off at Helena Bay and continue on Webb Road. After Teal Bay the road is unsealed, narrow and winding, and unsuitable for towing caravans. Mimiwhangata Coastal Road is after the Ngahau Bay turn-off.
About the area
Find information about tracks and lodgings at Mimiwhangata Coastal Park near Whangarei. Recovering shore bird and marine species can be found at this marine park.
Description
Mimiwhangata
The track starts on the right hand side of the road as you head into the park. After crossing the fence and stream, the track is marked clearly and heads straight towards the bush.
The track enters predominantly manuka and regenerating tanekaha on a clay track leading quite steeply up the side of the valley. Once you are near the top of the ridge, there are impressive views of the peninsula and out towards the Poor Knights Islands.
From here you can either make your way back the same way or continue and go down to the coast and back to the car park via the beach.
Activities
Diving/snorkelling
Fishing
Photography
Sea kayaking
Mimiwhangata is a great place for beach activities such as swimming, snorkelling, picnicking or just relaxing.
There are no boat launching facilities at Mimiwhangata though you may carry small boats from the car park to the sea, and hand-launching of dinghies is permitted from the car park.
The Marine Park offers good fishing opportunities, but you must carefully study the Marine Park Regulations.
Places to stay
Mimiwhangata Lodge, Cottage and Beach House provide a great place for a holiday beside the beach. There is also beach side campground nearby for larger groups.
This is a standard campsite in the Whangarei area.
Plan and prepare
Please note:
- Follow tracks and use stiles where provided.
- The rest of the farm is open for walking. Avoid disturbing stock and ensure gates are left as you found them.
- Farm hazards exist, and some fences are electrified.
- Overnight campervan stays are not permitted.
- Camping is only permitted at Waikahoa Bay.
- Northland reserve bylaws apply to Mimiwhangata Scenic Reserve.
Please help us to look after this special place by:
- Leaving your dogs at home as they are a threat to nesting shorebirds, brown teal and kiwi and also disturb the farm animals.
- Bringing portable stoves and your own liquid fuel as fire is a major concern in dry months. No fires are permitted within the Park or on the beach.
- Removing all your rubbish.
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