Located in Cape Brett and Whangamumu area in the Northland region
The track along the beach can only be walked at low tide Image: Sarah Wilcox | Creative Commons
The historic Whangamumu Whaling Station Image: Sarah Wilcox | Creative Commons
Come for a walk along a path that whalers used to take in the early 20th century to one of New Zealand’s last remaining shore-based whaling stations.
This track is a comfortable walk starting at the Tangatapu wetlands through regenerating coastal forest up and over a ridge to the sandy beach at the head of the Whangamumu Harbour. Interpretation signs explain the historic features of the area. The track is not suitable for mountain biking.
Once at Whangamumu Harbour turn left along the beach and take the short 10-minute track to the historic Whangamumu Whaling Station. This track can be walked up 1-2 hours either side of high tide; at other tide times this short section of beach track is closed to walkers.
10,000 Steps Northland: This track equates to about 5,600 steps.
Camping is not permitted.
Access to the Whangamumu Track is from Rawhiti Road, 1.1 km from the Manawaora Road and Rawhiti Road intersection.
From Russell, take the Russell-Whakapara Road for 13.8 km and turning off at Kempthorne Road. Follow the road through Parekura Bay, continuing on to Manawaora Road. At the top of the road, turn left onto Rawhiti Road.
From Whangarei travel north turning off SH1 at Whakapara. Follow the Russell Road until you get to Rawhiti Road.
The harbour was where one of New Zealand’s last shore-based whaling stations existed: the historic Whangamumu Whaling Station.
Pewhairangi / Bay of Islands Office | |
Phone: | +64 9 407 0300 |
Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
Email: | bayofislandsbooking@doc.govt.nz |
Address: |
34 Landing Road Kerikeri 0230 |
Postal Address: |
PO Box 128 Kerikeri 0245 |
Full office details |