| Northern Start |
Footbridge over Pataua River, joining Pataua North & Pataua South. |
| Southern End |
Carpark by postboxes & gate at end of Council-maintained section of Harambee Rd, Taiharuru (East of Whangarei) |
| Distance |
7 kms |
| Time |
2 hours |
| Tramping Standard |
Easy tramping track |
Description
(North to South) |
From the Pataua River footbridge, walk south on the main road out of Pataua. After 1 ½ kms, look for a Council Reserve where Pataua South Rd runs along the Taiharuru Estuary.
At low tide only, leave the reserve and walk SE along the Taiharuru Estuary. Note: firmer sand can be found away from the mangroves which line the shoreline, making it very muddy underfoot.
Near where Beasley Rd meets the Estuary on the NW bank, it is easier to cross to the SE bank. A white marker indicates where the most shallow crossing has been found to date (i.e. usually knee height at low tide/no rain).
Head for a wooden structure marking an old fence in the tidal zone. Climb over it or go through the gap cut in the wires. Look for the orange-markers to the left indicating the public access route going up the bank and over a stile. Follow the SE fenceline over pasture, then along a new driveway to meet Taiharuru Road (opposite # 406). (Note: This accessway is public land).
Turn SW down Taiharuru Rd for 500m to Harambee Rd. 1km up this road is the small parking area. |
| Extra Info |
For local knowledge, information on tides or water transport and pick ups, give Ros & Hugh Cole-Baker of Tidesong a call on 09 436-1959. They also provide B&B accommodation and very nice teas or lunches. See www.tidesong.co.nz |
| Potential Hazards |
| Vehicles on road or track |
| Farming operations |
| Tides, waves & rivers - safer at low tide |
|
| Requirements |
| Keep to the track |
| Respect private land |
| Leave gates as you find them |
| No taking plants |
| No camping |
| No fires |
| Dogs must be under control esp. around animals. |
|
| Amenities (Start) |
| Car park |
| Picnic area |
| Toilets, shop & campground at Pataua South |
|
| Amenities (End) |
| No amenities |
| Roadside parking only |
|
| Closest Town(s) |
Whangarei |
| Managed by |
Whangarei District Council & Te Araroa |
| Thanks to |
Neighbours for their support, our Volunteers & ASB Community Trust |
|
| Map (indicative only) |
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| Downloads |
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Please email us on info@teararoa.org.nz if this description needs updating or the track needs maintenance. Feel free to adopt it! Te Araroa depends on you to make this trail a success.
