The track climbs steeply for the first kilometer through mixed bush with views to Te Oneroa O Tohe — Ninety Mile Beach. At 300 metres the track opens on to low scrub, bracken and orchids. Listen here for the distinctive u-tick calls of fernbirds.

A high ridge allows glimpses northward across the Aupouri Peninsula before a descent to the first large kauri. The track picks up an easy ridgeline then turns at right-angles down to the Rangiheke Stream and its rock pools. The stream is splash-through, but the cable strung side to side will help if the water is high.

The kauri grove, one of the largest groups of big kauri in the north, is about two hours in. The track emerges soon after on to an old forestry road then enters again into forest, passing disused logger huts and ascending Taumatamahoe.

A viewpoint on the way up gives a glimpse of Kaitaia, and the 558 metre summit of Taumatamahoe is the highest point en route. Cellphones work at the top, and are useful to time any pickup. The track’s steep, root-crossed descent, joins a farm track - Veza Road - which leads to an exit on to Diggers Valley Road. This exit is distant from any settlement, and you’ll need to have arranged transport back to town.

WARNING - PLEASE NOTE: Logging and roading activities are currently (March-April 2012) under way in Diggers Valley. Logging should cease mid May, with the logging crew moving to another forest.  Some roading activity will recommence in October 2012 (weather dependant), with further logging taking place in the 2012/13 summer.

Local Maori know the forest as Orowhana, and the saddle as Te Arai, the door, where spirits pause before fleeing north to Cape Reinga. Poupou totems mark the sacred site and the central pou is carved in honour of Taunaha, an ancestor.

The Herekino (Orowhana) Track was a joint project between Te Araroa Trust and the Department of Conservation, Northern Region. Two other DoC tracks diverge from the Herekino Forest track — a tramp from Herekino Saddle through to the Kaitaia-Awaroa Road via Pukepoto Access Road takes 6.5 hours, and the tramp through to Larmer Road end, via the Kaitaia Walkway takes 11 hours. Te Araroa Trust acknowledges the assistance given by the people of Whakamaharatanga Marae, also Te Runanga o Te Rarawa, and the Herekino Landcare Group in establishing the main track.

Support Services:

• Peter Griffiths of Takahue can provide a drop-off and pick up service for a small fee. Contact him in advance on (09) 408-3685.
• I-SITE Information Far North, Jaycee Park, South Rd, Kaitaia Ph: 09 408-0879 www.visitorinfo.co.nz
• Some local accommodation places will provide transfers. Ask when you book.
• Roger Gale is available for guiding through Herekino and Raetea Forests. Contact 09 4093807 or roger@treeskills.co.nz