Mangahorehore Track
Alert/Important notice
Logging operations
Logging and forestry trucks will be active on Mokau Ridge Road from February 2013 until further notice. Mountain biking on Mokau Ridge Road is not permitted during this time. Please take care and listen out for trucks when walking/hunting on or near this forest road.
Track category
Tramping track
Time:
1.5 hr one way to the Waipapa River
Distance:
5.1 km
Description
The Mangahorehore Track takes you through a stand of taraire
The Mangahorehore Track begins 6 km along the Mokau Ridge Road at the blue stone quarry. You can walk or cycle the road, which was originally built in the early 1970s to gain access to what was thought to be an area worthy of mining for magnesium. Fortunately, the area was never mined but the foundation of the road remains. Mature taraire, kohekohe, and towai abound and a visit in the winter months will give a real sense of walking through a rain forest.
When the rewarewa flowers in late spring this part of the forest comes alive with birdlife. There are some steep sections that require a reasonable level of fitness but the vegetation and wildlife make the effort worthwhile. Do not attempt to cross the Waipapa River after heavy rainfall.
Branching off Mokau Ridge Road, the Mangahorehore Track follows an old logging road through a stand of mature taraire trees, and then descends to meet the Waipapa River Track near Camp Creek.
This track is a good day's walk linking up with the Walnut Track, Puketi Recreation Area, Onekura Track.
Times:
On reaching the Waipapa River, you can either return to the Mokau Ridge via the Onekura Track (1 hr) or carry on over the river and continue along other tracks in the Puketi Forest network.
View a track location map
Getting there
From Kaeo or the North
Travel 3 km south of Kaeo, turn west (right) and follow Waiare Road for 19 km to the forestry gate at the start of the Mokau Ridge Road.
From Kerikeri or the South
From State Highway 10, 1.1 km north of the Waipapa township, turn left on to Pungare Road and follow for 14 km to a T-intersection. Turn right along Waiare Road, a further 3.5 km to the locked forestry gate at the start of Mokau Ridge Road.
From the west coast
Travel from the west along State Highway 1, turn left at the Waihou Valley on to Puketi Road and follow this winding gravel road for 11 km to the crossroads. Turn left on to Waiare Road for a further 10 km to the locked forestry gate at the start of Mokau Ridge Road, signposted on the lefthand-side of the road.
Plan and prepare
Help stop kauri dieback
Kauri dieback disease is killing our native kauri. It spreads by soil movement, but you can help prevent it.
- Stay on the track and off kauri roots.
- Clean your gear before and after visiting kauri forests.
Visit the kauri dieback website for more information on how you can help.
Safety and security
- Carry warm, waterproof clothing, and food and drink, even on short walks. Stout shoes or walking boots are advisable.
- You may wish to boil water from the streams before drinking.
- For longer tramps NZMS 260, 1:50,000 topographical maps are essential.
- Leaving vehicles at road ends over night is not advisable due to the risk of theft.
- Take care when travelling on unsealed roads as they can be slippery when wet.
- The Mokau Ridge Road is closed to traffic. However, logging trucks are frequently travelling this road so care should be taken.
Notes
- Permits for hunting goats and pigs are available from DOC offices.
- No dogs or fires due to risks to wildlife.
Location map
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