Walking in Whangarei
The fascinating native New Zealand bush is incredibly close to town in Whangarei. There are enough walks for a one week walking holiday:
Kauri & Canopy Walk AH Reed Park – 20 min round trip
There are not many places in New Zealand where you can still see 500 year old Kauri trees, there are also many tree ferns, little rivers, a treetop canopy walk to gaze down on native Nikau palm trees, and if you don‘t mind a short steep climb, take a walkway up to Paranui Waterfall. A H Reed Park is connected to the Hatea River Walk.
Hatea River Walk – 1,5 hrs one way including AH Reed Park
Walk along this beautiful bush clad river from the 26m Whangarei Falls to the Yacht Harbour/ Town Basin, with an opportunity to go on the Kauri tree & Canopy Walk in AH Reed Park or up Mt.Parihaka. The walk finishes with a boardwalk through the mangroves just before the Town Basin.
Mount Parihaka Summit – 40 mins to lookout
One favourite way up this extinct volcano is via Ross Track, along a forest stream and waterfall, passing many mature Totara & Kauri trees, ferns and kumara pits. Two other options to descend down towards Hatea River and Mair Park, back via the mangrove board walk and the town basin.
Mount Manaia Summit - 1 hr to summit
The most mystic and Polynesian like mountain in Whangarei, thick jungle bush lines its walls and McLeod Bay lays at its feet. It is the magma core of an old volcano, with rocky outcrops on which dead Maori chiefs were laid to rest, for this reason the highest part is still tapu (forbidden). Great 360° views over the Whangarei Heads and harbour. It is a strenuous climb up and can be very slippery after rain!
Mount Aubry Summit - ½ h climb, or 2 hrs return around the hill
To climb the summit rock is a tricky scramble and is not recommended to inexperienced walkers, the views however are great! Alternatively walk all around the bottom of the hill to the historic Freezer Works and a marine reserve island in Reotahi, all in 2 hrs return.
Smuggler‘s Cove (also Smugglers Bay) - 30 min to the cove or loop track 2 hrs
Reach a hidden cove with soft sand and great vegetation from the end of Urquharts Bay (there's a car park). Walk up through the cow field to reach the bay. Continue on to a little peninsula and return over the coastal ridge on a loop track.
Tutukaka Head - ½ h to lookout return, to lighthouse 1 hr
Along a ridge with good views to strange rock formations where you climb down to a rocky beach - only at low tide. You can reach Kukutauwhao Island with a light house atop. Make sure you have left enough time to return before the tide comes in.
Bream Head Summit – 4 hrs from Peach Cove car park return
The highest summit is tough and with only 3 good lookout points more suited to those who want to experience the many different areas of bush according to altitude and conditions. If you start the walk halfway from Peach Cove car park, this still takes up to 5 hrs, with a stroll along Ocean Beach included.
Whale Bay to Matapouri Bay Coastal Walk - 1,5 hrs return
Combine two of the most gorgeous Northland and New Zealand beaches, from soft sand to farmland to craggy rocks, with great vegetation and mature Pohutakawa trees. Can you find the Mermaid Pools...?
And many more walks around Whangarei town: Rust Track to Quarry Garden, Raumanga Falls, Taheke Falls, Otaika Valley Walk, Coronation Reserve, Waro Limestone Reserve, Pukenui Forest, Limeburners Creek…..
