From Waiotoi Rd, turn SW onto Ngunguru Rd & walk through the village and along the estuary. Keep going on the road margin until you see Ngunguru Ford Rd on the SE side. Follow this road for 3km to the start of Mackerel Forest Track.

Note: This is part 1 of a 2-part bypass of the Ngunguru & Horahora Estuaries.  If the sea conditions are good, an alternative is to sea kayak from Ngunguru to Pataua North.

The coastline between Ngunguru to Pataua is not suitable for walking - there are two river crossings and some difficult rock climbs.  

Pacific Coast Kayaks offer a shuttle trip from Ngunguru to Pataua or Taiharuru, with a lunch stop at Goat Island (lunch provided). Pataua has a camping ground but Taiharuru is closer to the start of the track. This is a guided trip as there are a few hazards such as a bar crossing at Pataua. They do not hire kayaks out to solo paddlers.  Pacific Coast Kayaks will carry hikers' packs to the take-out point where hikers can resume their journey.

As there is additional mileage involved and a driver has to do a pickup, the cost is more than a usual day trip. It is therefore cheaper if people join up with other hikers so that the transport costs can be shared. 

Website:  www.nzseakayaking.co.nz  Email: pc.kayaks@gmail.com

Contact: Mark Garry Tel: +9 436-1947 or Mob: 021 1295-921.