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The Kauri Coast offers a wide range of walking tracks and caters for all abilities. There are short and leisurely walks and longer walking tracks, some of which are more suitable for experienced hikers. They take in a variety of breathtaking, unspoiled scenery, including native forest, farmland, coastal and hill country.
Coastal Walkway - Kai Iwi Lakes to Hokianga Harbour
This is a continuous walkway along the West Coast from the Hokianga Harbour in the North to Kai Iwi Lakes in the South, with the possible extension to Baylys Beach near Dargaville.
The total distance is 50.5 kilometers, and requires 16 hours. It is suggested to allow 3 days, as you walk on the beach and the best time to walk is when the tide is low.
From the Hokianga Harbour to Kaikai Beach, at the Waimamaku River mouth, is 8 kms and takes 4 hours.
This walk can be done in reverse, starting at the Kai Iwi Lakes and ending at South Head, entrance to the Hokianga Harbour.
From Cemetery Rd on the eastern outskirts of Opononi, a half-hour climb leads up Mt Whiria, one of the oldest unexcavated pa sites, with a splendid view of the harbour.
Two kilometers east of Opononi the Waiotemarama Gorge road turns south for six kilometers to the Waiotemarama bush track, the best short walk from Opononi. This track climbs to Mt Hauturu, 680 metres high. It is a four hour walk to the summit (eight hours return), but there is a shorter loop walk starting from the same place which takes only about two hours and passes kauri trees and picturesque waterfall. The highest point in Northland, Te Taupua (781 metres), is nearby but there is no regular track.
Between Waima and Taheke is the old Waoku coach road, once the sole route to Dargaville and, because of the rainfall, only open during summer. This is a more adventurous walk, muddy and not well marked, so proper gear and preparation are required. It is very important to make sure you get information from DOC before starting out.
Maunganui Bluff Walk
Few walks match the magnificent Maunganui Bluff for breathtaking scenery. The Bluff rises 460 metres from the sea below and comprises a 495 hectare scenic reserve, one of the few examples of dense coastal forest remaining in Northland. Located on the Aranga Coast Road, 40 kms north of Dargaville. It is a 3 hour return walk to the summit. The track climbs steadily and may prove difficult for younger children, elderly or unfit people, but generally this route is recommended for families.
Kai Iwi Lakes
The three beautiful crystal clear fresh water lakes are fringed by pure white sand and set amid farmland and pine plantations. You can walk around the 3 lakes by following the contuior of the land.
The Taharoa domain is 2.5 kms from the Tasman Sea and a walking track to the coast crosses farmland before dropping down sand dunes and a low cliff to the beach.
Kai Iwi Lakes to Maunganui Bluff
From where the Lakes track meets the beach it is a 1.5 hour walk to the rocky base of Maunganui Bluff at Aranga Beach to the north. Please allow 3-4 hours return.
Baylys Beach Walkway
A 15 minute walk across sand dunes and low cliff between Baylys Beach and Chases Gorge, which are two small neighbouring coastal settlements. From the top you and see the wild majesty of the coast and recognise off-shore holes and rips which make swimming unsafe.
Moremonui Monument
A 2 hour walk from Baylys Beach north, or 1 hour walk south from Omamari. Walking from Baylys Beach, the monument is on a low bluff at the mouth of the 3rd stream gully reached. From Omamari, it is at the 1st stream south of the beach access point. The Moremonui Monument commemorates a battle in approximately 1807 between local Hgati Whatua warriors and Ngapuhi raiders from further north.
Waoku Coach Road
This is the Kauri Coast Walk for adventurers. The isolated and historic Waoku Road, once the only transport link between the Kaipara and Hokianga Harbours, is a tribute to pioneer roadmaking. Waoku Coach Road is located between Tutamoe and Taheke, traversing the Mataraua and Waima Forests. The length from north to south is 20 kms and takes a full days walk. The southern entry is at Tutamoe and the northern entry is at Waima. The route is lightly marked and little used so adequate preparations should be made, including good maps, boots and wet weather gear.
Tokatoka Peak
Your chance to climb a rare volcanic phenomenon - the plug or core of a volcano. Tokatoka is easily recognised on the landscape by its sharply symmetrical shape. It is located on Tokatoka Road, off State Highway 12, 17 kms south of Dargaville. The track climbs steadily all the way, with a particularly steep but short climb at the very top. It is a 20 minute walk to the summit.
Maungaraho Rock
This interesting feature on the landscape is a huge rocky outcrop rising from the countryside not far from Tokatoka. There are 2 tracks, the lower track circles the base of this bushclad rocky bluff and the other leads off this one to the top. It is a 45 minute walk around the base, while the track to the summit takes 30 minutes. The track to the summit requires fitness as it is steep and entails some climbing. In places ropes and ladders assist this.
Located on Mititai Road, Arapohue, off State Highway 12, 11 kms south of Dargaville.
Pouto Lighthouse
Located at Pouto Point, 69 kms south of Dargaville on the Pouto Peninsula. There is a 7 km walk along the Kaipara Harbour Mouth's northern shores and then an energetic ten minute climb up sand dunes to the Lighthouse. The three storey wooden lighthouse was built in 1884 and is now protected by the Historic Places Trust.
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Pamphlet 1 - Waipoua & Trounson Kauri Forests - $1.00
Walks include:
Tane Mahuta, Te Matua Ngahere, The Four Sisters, Rickers Track, Lookout Track, Toatoa Track, Arai te Uru Heritage Walk, Waiotemarama Waterfall Loop Track Walk and Hauturu Highpoint Track.
From the Hokianga Harbour to Kaikai Beach, at the Waimamaku River mouth, is 8 kms and takes 4 hours.
This walk can be done in reverse, starting at the Kai Iwi Lakes and ending at South Head, entrance to the Hokianga Harbour.
From Cemetery Rd on the eastern outskirts of Opononi, a half-hour climb leads up Mt Whiria, one of the oldest unexcavated pa sites, with a splendid view of the harbour.
Two kilometers east of Opononi the Waiotemarama Gorge road turns south for six kilometers to the Waiotemarama bush track, the best short walk from Opononi. This track climbs to Mt Hauturu, 680 metres high. It is a four hour walk to the summit (eight hours return), but there is a shorter loop walk starting from the same place which takes only about two hours and passes kauri trees and picturesque waterfall. The highest point in Northland, Te Taupua (781 metres), is nearby but there is no regular track.
Between Waima and Taheke is the old Waoku coach road, once the sole route to Dargaville and, because of the rainfall, only open during summer. This is a more adventurous walk, muddy and not well marked, so proper gear and preparation are required. Get information from DOC before starting out.
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