The Whakapono and Tumanako tracks create loop tracks and are great for a pleasant half day out.

The  Whakapono track leaves  just inside the bush line at the Lions Lodge and heads up a spur to the ridge where it joins the Horokaka Track and a little further up it reaches the junction of the Tumanako track.

Either return on the Tumanako Track back down the hill to the lodge or follow the Horokaka or Te Haua Uru Track for a longer tramp.

Times:

• Whakapono: 1 hr 15 min one way from car park
• Tumanako: 1 hr 25 min one way from car park
• Whakapono/Tumanako loop: 2 hr 30 min from car park return

The tracks are in Tangihua Forest, halfway between Whangārei on Northland's east coast and Dargaville on the west coast. Your best access into Tangihua Forest is from Omana Road.

The Omana Road Tangihua access car park has parking for 15 cars. You will need to walk 30 minutes along a formed road to the bush line. From here, it is another 15 minutes to Lions Lodge and the start of the tracks.

• There is no water source in the forest so carry plenty of water to drink.
• Be well-prepared for changeable weather conditions.
• The ridge area in the forest is exposed to rough weather.