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Tracks & walks

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Northland

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P laces to visit in the Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands area features a number of great walks and tracks for people of all abilities.

Ake Ake Reserve Track

This loop track begins at Opito Bay and enters the Ake Ake Historic Reserve. The track leads to a small beach in the Te Puna Inlet and to a pa site on Tareha Point.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  1.4 km
Completion Time:  30 min

Cape Brett Track

The Cape Brett Track traverses rugged terrain for 20 km through native and regenerating bush. The challenging tramp follows along ridges that afford dramatic coastal views
Category:  Tramping track
Distance:  16.3 km
Completion Time:  8 hr

Dukes Nose (Kairara Rocks) Track

To reach the top of Dukes Nose (Kairara Rocks), you must climb 500 m up a very steep track. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Whangaroa Harbour.
Category:  Great Walk/Easier tramping track
Distance:  500 m
Completion Time:  45 min one way

Fladgate Track

This short track near Russell offers visitors a pleasant walk through regenerating bush down to Waihihi Bay.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  500 m
Completion Time:  15 minutes

Flagstaff Hill Track

An important Bay of Islands landmark, you can reach Maiki/Flagstaff Hill by walking up a well-maintained track. The 2.5-km track climbs through regenerating coastal forest.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  2.5 km
Completion Time:  30 min

Harrison Scenic Reserve Walk

The Harrison Scenic Reserve Walk near Opua is a 1.4-km track through some of the finest remaining coastal forest in the Bay of Islands.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  1.4 km
Completion Time:  30 min
Alert:  Track closed until further notice due to severe slips.

Hongi Hika Walk

Take a 1-km track through gum trees and regenerating native forest to the Kororipo Pa. The pa served as Hongi Hika’s coastal fortified settlement and played an important role in New Zealand’s musket war campaigns.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  1 km
Completion Time:  30 min

Kauri Stump Walk

In the Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary you’ll be able to take the Kauri Stump Walk to see the remains of one of the largest kauri trees ever felled.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  70 m
Completion Time:  3 min

Kerikeri River Track

This easy 3.5-km walk follows the north bank of the Kerikeri River and crosses through regenerating forest. After passing remnants of a power house, you’ll come to the Wharepoke and Rainbow falls.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  3.5 km
Completion Time:  1 hr 30 min

Kororipo Pa Historic Walk

An 800-m track leads to the Kororipo Pa which served as a coastal fishing village, a fortified base for war parties and a trading post.
Category:  Short walk
Distance:  800 m
Completion Time:  30 min

Manginangina Kauri Walk

The short Manginangina Kauri Walk follows a boardwalk that winds through a mature stand of kauri and swamp forest. It’s a track that is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Category:  Easy access walk
Distance:  350 m
Completion Time:  15 min

Marsden Cross Track

Take the Marsden Cross Track to view the cross that commemorates the first mission settlement and first Christian service conducted in New Zealand.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  2.3 km
Completion Time:  40 min

Motuarohia (Roberton) Island Track

Once out on the water from Paihia or Russell, the first island you see is Motuarohia (Roberton). It features two beautiful lagoons and is the most photographed location in the Bay of Islands.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  350 m
Completion Time:  15 min

Motukawanui Island Track

The Motukawanui Island Track traverses Motukawanui Island, which is the largest island in the Cavalli Island group. The island features archaeological sites and is home to many native birds, including the endangered NZ dotterel.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  3.5 km
Completion Time:  1 hr 50 min

Moturua Island Track

This 4-km loop track skirts Moturua Island. The island’s regenerating forest is home to rare native wildlife, including the North Island robin and New Zealand dotterel.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  4.6 km loop
Completion Time:  2.5 hr

Ngaiotonga - Kauri Grove Walk

Majestic kauri trees and stunning native bush can be seen on the short and easy Ngaiotonga Kauri Grove Walk. The track is just 16 km from Russell.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  1 km
Completion Time:  20 min

Ngaiotonga – Twin Bole Track

The Ngaiotonga-Twin Bole Track meanders through stunning native bush before leading to an enormous kauri tree with twin trunks. The short track is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  200 - 300 m
Completion Time:  5 min

Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary Walk

The giant kauri in the Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary were protected from logging in 1951. This short loop track leads you through a stand of mature kauri.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  550 m
Completion Time:  30 min

Onekura & Mangahorehore tracks

Tramping tracks for experienced trampers with good route-finding abilities. Both these routes descend to the Waipapa River.
Category: Tramping track

Opua Forest Paihia Lookout Track

Follow this walking track through regenerating forest to a lookout that offers stunning views over Waitangi, the Bay of Islands and Russell.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  1.5 km
Completion Time:  1 hr return

Oromahoe Road Traverse

This track near Paihia follows a ridgeline through regenerating podocarp/hardwood forest.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  6 km
Completion Time:  2 hr 30 min one way

Pa Road Walk

The short Pa Road Walk links Pa Road to the Kerikeri Basin.
Category:  Short walk
Distance:  500 m
Completion Time:  15 min

Pirau Ridge Track

The Pirau Ridge Track in Puketi Forest is an easy 11-km walking track. The old logging road provides walking and mountain biking opportunities.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  11 km
Completion Time:  2 hr 30 min

Pukatea Ridge Route

Trampers interested in taking the Pukatea Ridge Route in the Puketi Forest should have a high degree of skill and experience, as well as route-finding abilities. The route connects with the Waipapa River Track.
Category:  Route
Distance:  3.8 km
Completion Time:  2 hr

Pukekohe Stream Track

The Pukekohe Stream Track offers visitors the opportunity to view a regenerating kauri forest. A side track leads to an unusual stand of kauri and hard beech.
Category:  Tramping track
Distance:  3.3 km
Completion Time:  2 hr 30 min

Puketi Nature Trail

You can access the Puketi Nature Trail from the Puketi Recreation area. The loop track winds through a beautiful kauri forest.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  1.6 km
Completion Time:  1 hr return

Rainbow Falls Walk

A short walk along the Kerikeri River leads visitors to the stunning Rainbow Falls.
Category:  Easy access walk
Distance:  400 m
Completion Time:  10 min

St Paul's Rock

Follow this track to St Paul’s Rock above the Bay of Islands town of Whangaroa to see spectacular views of the harbour.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  500 m
Completion Time:  30 min

Tapeka Point

This easy track is just 1 km north of Maiki/Flagstaff Hill, near Russell. Tapeka Point is the perfect base for exploring this part of the Bay of Islands by land or water.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  500 m
Completion Time:  15 min

Taronui Bay Recreation Reserve track

The track through a mix of pasture and lightly wooded landscape leads you to stunning Taronui Bay with its white sand beach sheltered by a reef.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  7.4 km return
Completion Time:  45 - 60 min one way

Toretore Island

Located near Russell, you can access Toretore Island by crossing a shingle bank at mid-to-low tide. The track winds through a totara forest as it traverses the island.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  700 m
Completion Time:  5 min

Urupukapuka Island Archaeological Walk

The archaeological walk on Urupukapuka Island is suitable for people of most ages and fitness levels. It's a great place to learn about the area’s Maori history.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  7.3 km
Completion Time:  5 hr

Waihoanga Gorge Kauri Walk

Take the Waihoanga Gorge Kauri Walk and discover the Pirau Waterfall. The track makes its way through a range of forest species including puriri, taraire, nikau and virgin kauri trees.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  2.6 km
Completion Time:  2 hr return

Waipapa River Track

The Waipapa River Track is a scenic two-day tramp that follows the Waipapa River through the heart of Puketi Forest. The tramp is only recommended for experienced and well-equipped trampers.
Category: Tramping track
Completion Time: 2 days

Wairakau Stream Track

This track is for experienced trampers. It first climbs over a saddle to an old farm road and then descends through regenerating forest to Wairakau Stream. It ends at Lane Cove Hut.
Category:  Great Walk/Easier tramping track
Distance:  5.6 km
Completion Time:  2 hr

Walnut Track

Walnut Track in the Puketi Forest is a steep ridge track through beautiful kauri forest. The track is recommended for experienced and well-equipped trampers.
Category:  Tramping track
Distance:  2 km
Completion Time:  45 min

Whangamumu Track

Take the Whangamumu Track for an easy forest and beach walk to Whangamumu Harbour and Te Toroa Bay. The harbour was where one of New Zealand’s last shore-based whaling stations existed.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  4.2 km
Completion Time:  1 hr

Find out more

Easy access walks - North Island

Easy access walks - South Island

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Track category definitions

Plan and prepare for your trip

The Great Walks

Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Safety information

Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.

Tips for driving on unsealed roads

Bay of Islands Area Office
Phone:	+64 9 407 0300
Email:
Full office details

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