Alerts and trail status
We recommend checking this page regularly before and during your journey as the route may have changed since planning your journey.
These alerts are set out in order from north to south
UPDATE 22 September 2023. The DOC Coastal Track from Cape Reinga (km 0) to Scotts Point (km 16) remains closed until further notice. The most recent advice from DOC is this track will be open, at the earliest, on 6th November 2023
For Te Araroa walkers this means the section from Cape Reinga along Te Werahi Beach, Twilight Beach and through Scotts Point to the top of 90 Mile Beach at km 16, including the Twilight Campsite at km 12.5, is closed.
Te Paki Stream track is open for walkers. It is closed to vehicles from the end of Te Paki Stream Road to the beach. Cars can drive 3km from SH1 to the Giant Sand Dunes, and walkers can continue down the stream another 3.5 km to 90 Mile Beach at Te Araroa km 20
The northernmost vehicle access onto 90 Mile Beach is at Hukatere (km 70). Forestry roads behind the beach, and Oramanga Road from The Bluff, are not usable for walkers
Vehicles can use Te Paki Stream Road to the Sand Dunes, but not continue down Te Paki Stream Track to the beach. Te Paki Stream is not closed to walkers so you can walk from the Dunes to the beach on the stream track
The advice that "Te Paki Stream is also closed" on the DOC website refer to vehicle access
DOC Kaitaia Office
25 Matthews Ave | PO Box 569 | Kaitaia 0441
T: +64 9 408 6014
Applicable:2023-04-02
Details
The Mangakaretu Track across the Upper Farm is closed from 1st May to 14th September due to Farm Operations
The 2023-24 v42 maps show the southbound trail turning off Waiere Road onto a new Te Araroa track to cross the Upper Farm to Mangakaretu Raod at km 204.3. This route is not available before 15th September 2023.
The farm track has been removed from current Te Araroa maps but may still be shown in apps or previously downloaded maps. Signage indicates that the track is closed. Signs placed by landowners, or by Te Araroa Trust, take precedence over any other map or guide, as these may be out of date.
Alternative
From Puketi Recreation Centre, walk south down Waiare Road for almost 5 Km to the crossroads with Puketi Road and Puketotara Road. Turn left (east) and follow this road (13km) all the way to State Highway 10. Turn left for 500m and join the trail again at the SH10 overbridge.
Northbound walkers from Kerikeri should walk south on SH10 before turning right (west) onto Puketotara Road.
Applicable: 2023-08-18
Details
The Mangakaretu Track across Wrights farm (the lower farm) is closed from 1st May to 14th September due to Farm Operations
The 2023-24 v42 maps show the southbound trail using Mangakaretu Road between km 204.3 and km 209.1 before turning off Mangakaretu Road onto a farm road at km 209.1. This route is not available before 15th September 2023. Use Puketotara Road between Waiare Road and SH10.
Alternative
From Puketi Recreation Centre, walk south down Waiare Road for almost 5 Km to the intersection with Puketotara Road. Turn left (East) and follow this road (13km) all the way to State Highway 10. Turn left for 500m and join the trail again at the SH10 overbridge.
Northbound walkers from Kerikeri should walk south on SH10 before turning right (west) onto Puketotara Road.
Applicable: 2023-08-18
This forest has active logging operations. Be extremely careful of logging trucks and harvesting activities.
In partnership with Ngāti Hapū ki Waitangi:
- Wear a high vis vest/jacket at all times through the forest, for personal safety and to increase walker visibility for logging truck drivers.
- Stay on the track and do not deviate from the track, for your own safety.
- Trees may be felled within two tree lengths of the track.
- Heed all signs and do not enter areas marked as closed.
- Be aware of tree felling.
Details
The route using Morepork and Onekainga tracks is no longer available for Te Araroa. These tracks previously connected Kaiikanui road and Whananaki North Road, but a section of the connecting route using private land has been closed to walkers.
Alternative
Bypass directions: At the South End of Helena Ridge track at km 308, turn right into Kaiikanui Road, and travel South 9 km to the junction with Pigs Head Road, turn left 0.5 km to Whananaki North Road. Turn left again and proceed 10.5 km along Whananaki North Rd until you meet the trail at km 3209.2.
The closure dates on the 2021 map below were optimistic. The Morepork Track has now been re-opened for walkers making day trips into the forest and back, but there is no track connection through to Whananaki for Te Araroa. The road bypass shaded purple below is the only permissible route
A large tree has blocked the original Te Araroa route through Dome Forest at km 488.6. The fallen trunk and epiphytes together form a 2-metre barrier across a steep section of track. It is extremely difficult to climb, and dangerous as there is a 4-metre undercut drop on the other side. A potential route passing above the broken stump leads to a steep descent that may not be possible wearing a pack. Because of the large size and difficult access here is no immediate likelihood of the obstacle being removed. The bypass route marked on Te Araroa map 27, from km 487 to km 490.7 offers a safer alternative
The swingbridge opposite the end of Remiger Road, km 519.7, was been severely damaged by floods in early 2023 and has now been removed. Detour via Puhoi Road (3.6km)between Remiger Road and Puhoi Village. This alert applies until further notice. The end date is unknown at this stage
Please do not attempt to walk this track by fording the river. Loggers are working with heavy machinery on a section of forest very near to the closed track. They have limited visibility and the risk of injury or death for anyone attempting to get past is very real. They report walkers and runners are putting their lives at risk, despite clear signage
Update 2nd February: Track inspection has found that the Puhoi track is also blocked by a big slip across the track at 1.7 km east of the swing bridge (km 521)
An alternative crossing point (ford) above the bridge site may be developed when logging work has finished and the slip is cleared
Images may not be visible in some apps
The cliff-top path between Long Bay and the Okura Estuary is closed between km 562.5 and km 563 due to severe and continuing track subsidence. The closed section may be bypassed by using the coastal track between Pokutukawa Bay (km 562.5) and Granny's Bay (km 563.7) Further details, including advice on the Okura Estuary bypass, have been added to the Trail Notes
The farmland section of the track from Puketutu Road to the reserve boundary at km 668.5 to McMillan Road km 673 (so no access to the trig) is closed for lambing from 1 August to 1 October.
The reserve section from McMillan Road to the farmland remains open.
For southbound section walking detour east at km 664.4 via Paparata Road and Pinnacle Hill Road, or south at km 667.5 via Razorback Road
Applicable: 2023-08-02
The Mangaokewa River Track is closed every year from 1 August to 31 October for lambing
Navigate safely around a road alternative — or skip directly ahead to the Timber Trail (Pureora Forest).
Please do not attempt to walk this route when it is closed.
Applicable: 2023-08-01
DOC update 12 July 2023:
42 Traverse Track reopen with reroute for walkers and cyclists
The 42 Traverse has been reopened with a bypass track in place for walkers and cyclists. The end to end experience is still closed to 4WD and quad bikes users.
Signs have been installed at all major intersections. The bypass (shown in green on the track map) follows an old bush track and connects with Top Track.
42 Traverse bypass track map (JPG, 1,200K)
Cyclists should dismount their bikes for the bypass section as it is steep and slippery.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing Red Crater forecast for today.
Link for web browsers and iOS Notes and Maps app only.
Internet connection required
The Whanganui River from Taumarunui (km 1042) to Whakahoro (km 1215) is not part of Te Araroa. Some walkers may chose to include it their river journey in addition to, or as an alternative to, the 173 km walking section through Owhango, Tongariro, and National Park
Sections of the Whanganui River will be reserved for the sole use of the Tira Hoe Waka on the dates listed below. Tira Hoe Waka is a customary activity of Whanganui iwi
The river will be closed to all other traffic in the three stages on 6th, 7th and 8th of January.
If you intend to start a Whanganui River trip from Taumarunui and go to Pipiriki, start on or before 5th January, or after the 12th. Starting after the 5th but earlier than 12th January is not recommended as Tira Hoe Waka will be travelling slowly and you will be delayed by closures ahead
If you intend to start a Whanganui River trip from Taumarunui and go to Whanganui, start on or before 5th January or after the 17th. Starting after the 5th but earlier than 17th January is not recommended as Tira Hoe Waka will be travelling slowly and you will be delayed by closures ahead
Closed 6th January
From Taumarunui to Ohinepane
Closed 7th January
Ohinepane to Tawata
Closed 8th January
Tawata to Whitianga (near Whakahoro, km 1215)
Applicable:2024-01-06
Te Araroa has both a walking route from Whakahoro (km 1215) to Mangapurua Campsite (km 1252) and an optional 56 km river route, subject to the temporary closures described here.
Sections of the Whanganui River will be reserved for the sole use of the Tira Hoe Waka on the dates listed below. Tira Hoe Waka is a customary activity of Whanganui iwi
The river will be closed to all other traffic in the two stages on 9th and 10th of January.
If you intend to start a Whanganui River trip from Whakahoro and paddle to Pipiriki, start on or before 8th January or after the 12th. Starting after the 8th but earlier than 13th January is not recommended as Tira Hoe Waka will be travelling slowly and you will be delayed by closure at Teike (km 1262), before Pipiriki
If you intend to start a Whanganui River trip from Whakahoro and go to Whanganui, start on or before the 8th, or after the 17th. Starting after the 8th but earlier than 18th January is not recommended as Tira Hoe Waka will be travelling slowly and you will be delayed by closures ahead
Closed 9th January
Whitianga (near Whakahoro) to Mangapapapa (on Whakahoro-Pipiriki bypass route)
Closed 10th January
Mangapapapa to Tieke (km 12623)
Applicable:2024-01-09
Te Araroa uses the Whanganui River from Mangapurua Campsite km (1252) to Pipiriki (km 1284). There is no walking track alternative
Sections of the Whanganui River will be reserved for the sole use of the Tira Hoe Waka on the dates listed below. Tira Hoe Waka is a customary activity of Whanganui iwi
This section will be closed to all other traffic on the 10th, 11th and 12th January.
Canoe hire companies cannot deliver canoes to Mangapurua. To paddle this section of the river you need to start your canoe trip at Whakahoro. If you choose to walk from Whakahoro (km 1215) to Mangapurua Campsite (km 1252) you will need to pre-book a jet boat to pick you up at Mangapura and take you to either Pipiriki or Whanganui. Some canoe hire and jet boat companies are listed in the Trail Notes, Whanganui River - via Whanganui River section
Closed 10th January
Mangapapapa to Tieke (km 1262)
Closed 11th January
Tieke (km 1262)
Closed 12th January
Tieke to Pipiriki (km 1284)
Applicable:2024-01-06
Te Araroa uses the Whanganui River from Pipiriki (km 1284) to Whanganui (km 1367). There is a 67 km bypass walking track
Sections of the Whanganui River will be reserved for the sole use of the Tira Hoe Waka on the dates listed below. Tira Hoe Waka is a customary activity of Whanganui iwi
This section will be closed to all other traffic from 13th to 16th January.
Closed 13th January
Pipiriki (km 1284) to Ranana (km 1299)
Closed 14th January
Ranana to Parikino (km 1336)
Closed 15th January
Parakino to Kaiwhaiki (km 1357)
Closed 16th January
Kaiwhaiki to Putiki (Whanganui)
Applicable:2024-01-13
Details
Walkers are advised that if planning to resupply in Otaki the road out to resupply from Otaki Forks (near Parawai Lodge/Hut and km marker 1597) to Shields Flat is closed to vehicles. This is due to slip damage.
If you wish to walk out to resupply in Otaki there is a DOC emergency access track through the forest to the west of Otaki Gorge Road. The track starts along the road north of Otaki Forks and comes out at Shields Flat carpark. This track is marked on the topomap and from Otaki Forks to Shields Flat is approx. 5km one way, expected to take 2-3 hours. Please note this is a challenging walk. More information available on DOC website here - the bypass track is marked on below map.
From Shields Flat it is 11km to SH1 and a further 2km to Otaki township.
Please note that the previous alternative option with a walkway over the slip on Otaki Gorge Road is closed due to further slip movement. Please refer to the Kapiti Coast District Council website for the latest information on access via Otaki Gorge Road
Alternative
Remain on the trail and be prepared to carry enough supplies and food for the walk between Levin to Waikanae - or vice versa.
Details
Walkers are advised that if planning to resupply in Otaki the road out to resupply from Otaki Forks (near Parawai Lodge/Hut and km marker 1597) to Shields Flat is closed to vehicles. This is due to slip damage.
If you wish to walk out to resupply in Otaki there is a DOC emergency access track through the forest to the west of Otaki Gorge Road. The track starts along the road north of Otaki Forks and comes out at Shields Flat carpark. This track is marked on the topomap and from Otaki Forks to Shields Flat is approx. 5km one way, expected to take 2-3 hours. Please note this is a challenging walk. More information available on DOC website here - the bypass track is marked on below map.
From Shields Flat it is 11km to SH1 and a further 2km to Otaki township.
Please note that the previous alternative option with a walkway over the slip on Otaki Gorge Road is closed due to further slip movement. Please refer to the Kapiti Coast District Council website for the latest information on access via Otaki Gorge Road
Alternative
Remain on the trail and be prepared to carry enough supplies and food for the walk between Levin to Waikanae - or vice versa.
Help stop the spread of lindavia (lake snow)
Do not swim, wash, take water or put any equipment into these lakes. These lakes hold high cultural significance to Māori, particularly local iwi Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō. They are tapu (sacred) and the restrictions have been placed to uphold their mauri (life force) and purity.
The invasive alga lindavia is present in Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa. It causes lake snow – a sticky mucus that hangs below the surface of the water. Not touching the water in these lakes will also prevent the spread of lindavia.
Mt Linton Station (south of Takitimu Mountains) is closed every year from 25 September to 5 November for lambing.There is no easy walking alternative so we recommend not attempting this section until it is open from 6 November. Please do not attempt to walk this route when closed.
The final 25km of Takitimu Track, from km 2851.5 to km 2877, is across Mt Linton Station, which is a large and intensive farmed private property. Access across Mt Linton Station has been generously provided by the Station owners. A number of conditions apply to enable walking access to co-exist with farm operations. These conditions including a track closure for lambing from 25 September to 5 November inclusive.
A good portion of the Takitimu Track can still be used during the lambing closure. This is by using the exit/entry track from Aparima Hut (km 2829) to Dunrobin Road.
Southbound During the lambing closure period it is not possible to walk through Mt Linton Station. The last exit point at Aparima Hut is 22 km before reaching the northern boundary of Mt Linton Station. The very long detour south along Aparima River Track, east along Dunrobin Road, south through Nightcaps and northwest through Ohai to rejoin Te Araroa near Birchwood (km 2877) is not recommended. It may be preferable to avoid the Takitimu Track entirely during the lambing closure and hitchhike from Te Anau Mossburn Highway (SH94) at the The Key, near km 2806, to Birchwood.
Northbound During the lambing closure period it is not possible to walk through Mt Linton Station. If you reach Birchwood before 6 November and cannot wait it may be necessary to avoid the Takitimu Track entirely and hitchhike to Te Anau Mossburn Highway (SH94) at the The Key, near km 2806
Applicable:2023-09-25
Details
SEASONAL CLOSURE
The Woodlaw Forest route from Birchwood (south of Mt Linton Station) to Merrivale (north of Longwood Range) is closed every year from 9 September to 9 November for lambing.
Alternative
There is no easy alternative so we recommend not attempting to walk this route until it opens on 9 November.
Please do not attempt to walk this route when it is closed.
Applicable:2023-09-09
Details
Te Araroa route through Island Bush Block is closed to walkers due to forestry operations from Monday 9th January 2023. This closure applies until further notice. Rerouting for southbounders is via road verge from the start of Hewitt Road heading south on Upper Scotts Gap Road, Symon Road, right onto Lower Scotts Gap Road, then right again onto Otautau-Tuatapere road to Merrivale. Northbounders are the reverse of this from the stile on Otautau-Tuatapere road.
Re-opening is expected to be 30th September. Always check the local signage, which may override any information found on websites or apps
Alternative
Map image may not be visible in some apps
Applicable:2023-01-09
Farmland between km 2954 and 2960 (Mores Reserve) is closed for lambing from 1 Sept to 31 October each year.
For southbound (heading east) from Colac Bay, at km 2954.2 near Tihaka turn left up Tihaka Beach Road to use Orepuki Riverton Highway 99 to Riverton
For northbound (heading west) from Riverton use Orepuki Riverton Highway 99 towards Tihaka. Turn left onto Tihaka Beach Road to rejoin Te Araroa on the beachfront
Applicable:2023-09-01
