Northland
Cape Reinga to Ahipara - OPEN
Northern Start
Cape Reinga
Southern End
Boat ramp, Kaka St, Ahipara
Distance
100.5km
Time
4 days
Track Standard
Road margin
Footpath
Easy tramping track
Tramping track
Route
Mixed grade
Description
(North to South)
(North to South)
There are limited locations where camping is allowed between Cape Reinga and Ahipara - we suggest the following plan:
- Day One - Cape Reinga to Twilight Beach campsite (12km)
- Day Two - Twilight Beach campsite to Maunganui Bluff campsite (28km)
- Day Three - Maunganui Bluff campsite to Hukatere Lodge/Utea Park (30km)
- Day Four - Hukatere/Utea Park to Waipapakauri Holiday Park (17km) or Ahipara (a further 14km)
Please DO NOT FREE CAMP in the Aupouri Forest that runs alongside 90 Mile Beach, stick to the above locations.
Generally there is water available in these locations - in extremely dry times the tank at Twilight Beach may run out so unless you are aware of recent rain, it is advisable to carry enough water from Cape Reinga to reach Maunganui Bluff.
From Cape Reinga, the track heads towards the West Coast, leading you down past steep cliffs and over rocks to the long, sweeping Te Werahi Beach. Note: You are best to set off at a lowish tide to make the rock scrambling and stream crossing safer & easier. Carry enough water for your first day.
Beyond Te Werahi Beach, you will experience gorgeous peach-coloured dunes, unusual dune grasses, and views of Cape Maria Van Diemen and Motuopao Island. You follow orange marker posts over Herangi Hill, pass the turnoff to Cape Maria Van Diemen and along cliff tops of flax and manuka scrublands, before dropping down to Twilight Beach. Exit the south end of Twilight Beach on the 4WD track next to the orange marker. Just above the south end of Twilight Beach (12km from Cape Reinga) is a small campsite with toilet, water supply and a covered area - recommend stopping here, then planning to reach Maunganui Bluff (28km away) the following day. Please camp within the grassed area ONLY, not in the pine trees.
The track climbs up and over Scott Point then drops down to Ninety Mile Beach, crossing a swamp via a boardwalk and down a steep set of steps. (While passing over Scott Pt, you will need to watch carefully for a quad motorbike track which veers right off the main 4WD track. The marker may be very difficult to see.)
Note: If you come to a farm gate and a paddock, you will need to double back about 10 minutes, as you have gone the wrong way.
Follow Ninety Mile Beach south for approximately an hour until you come to Te Paki Stream mouth. This is a popular vehicle entrance/exit to the beach so be prepared for cars and tourist buses around there and further south. (From the stream mouth, it is 1 hour upstream to the road should you wish to exit the beach here).
From Te Paki Stream, you walk down the beach to Ahipara. Try to time your walking to avoid high tide as in parts the water can come all the way up to the dunes and make for either wet feet or a need to walk in the hilly dunes.
Landmarks you’ll pass are The Bluff (40km from Cape Reinga), Hukatere (68km) & Waipapakauri (85km).
Leave the beach at the Kaka St boat ramp and find your way into Ahipara village, a popular holiday and surfing hotspot at the southern end of Ninety Mile Beach and 14km west of Kaitaia.
Potential Hazards
- Vehicles on road or track on Ninety Mile Beach and Kaka St boat ramp
- Tides, waves & rivers - safer at low tide
- Small stream crossings
- Track exposed to sun, wind or cold
- Few water sources
- Take care on wet rocks - can be slippery
Description
(North to South)
(North to South)
There are limited locations where camping is allowed between Cape Reinga and Ahipara - we suggest the following plan:
- Day One - Cape Reinga to Twilight Beach campsite (12km)
- Day Two - Twilight Beach campsite to Maunganui Bluff campsite (28km)
- Day Three - Maunganui Bluff campsite to Hukatere Lodge/Utea Park (30km)
- Day Four - Hukatere/Utea Park to Waipapakauri Holiday Park (17km) or Ahipara (a further 14km)
Please DO NOT FREE CAMP in the Aupouri Forest that runs alongside 90 Mile Beach, stick to the above locations.
Generally there is water available in these locations - in extremely dry times the tank at Twilight Beach may run out so unless you are aware of recent rain, it is advisable to carry enough water from Cape Reinga to reach Maunganui Bluff.
From Cape Reinga, the track heads towards the West Coast, leading you down past steep cliffs and over rocks to the long, sweeping Te Werahi Beach. Note: You are best to set off at a lowish tide to make the rock scrambling and stream crossing safer & easier. Carry enough water for your first day.
Beyond Te Werahi Beach, you will experience gorgeous peach-coloured dunes, unusual dune grasses, and views of Cape Maria Van Diemen and Motuopao Island. You follow orange marker posts over Herangi Hill, pass the turnoff to Cape Maria Van Diemen and along cliff tops of flax and manuka scrublands, before dropping down to Twilight Beach. Exit the south end of Twilight Beach on the 4WD track next to the orange marker. Just above the south end of Twilight Beach (12km from Cape Reinga) is a small campsite with toilet, water supply and a covered area - recommend stopping here, then planning to reach Maunganui Bluff (28km away) the following day. Please camp within the grassed area ONLY, not in the pine trees.
The track climbs up and over Scott Point then drops down to Ninety Mile Beach, crossing a swamp via a boardwalk and down a steep set of steps. (While passing over Scott Pt, you will need to watch carefully for a quad motorbike track which veers right off the main 4WD track. The marker may be very difficult to see.)
Note: If you come to a farm gate and a paddock, you will need to double back about 10 minutes, as you have gone the wrong way.
Follow Ninety Mile Beach south for approximately an hour until you come to Te Paki Stream mouth. This is a popular vehicle entrance/exit to the beach so be prepared for cars and tourist buses around there and further south. (From the stream mouth, it is 1 hour upstream to the road should you wish to exit the beach here).
From Te Paki Stream, you walk down the beach to Ahipara. Try to time your walking to avoid high tide as in parts the water can come all the way up to the dunes and make for either wet feet or a need to walk in the hilly dunes.
Landmarks you’ll pass are The Bluff (40km from Cape Reinga), Hukatere (68km) & Waipapakauri (85km).
Leave the beach at the Kaka St boat ramp and find your way into Ahipara village, a popular holiday and surfing hotspot at the southern end of Ninety Mile Beach and 14km west of Kaitaia.
Note: Map is indicative only
Extra Info
General Information
Te Araroa's northern terminus in the North Island is at Cape Reinga, which is accessible by road. Kaitaia is the most northern gateway town to Cape Reinga, servicing a population of approx. 5200. An alternative is Kerikeri which has the advantage of being on trail, should you want to leave gear.
Tide times are important for coastal routes - W: www.niwa.co.nz/our-science/coasts/tools-and-resources/tides
Cape Reinga
General Information
Far North I-SITE Visitor Information Centre - Te Ahu, Corner Matthews Avenue and South Road, Kaitaia - P: 09 408 9450 - E: kaitaia@visitnorthland.co.nz
Department of Conservation Information Office - 25 Matthews Ave, Kaitaia - P: 09 408 6014 - E; kaitaia@doc.govt.nz
Getting there/away
Transport to Cape Reinga Trailhead
There is no public transport, however the following operators can assist.
Harrisons Cape Runner - P: 09 408 1033 / 0800 227 373 freephone - E: capetours@xtra.co.nz - Departs 9am daily from Kaitaia
Sand Safaris - P: 09 408 1778 - E: info@sandsafaris.co.nz - 9am daily departures from Kaitaia $50 per adult
Naked Bus - P: 0900 62533 Call costs
Salt Air - P: 09 402 8338 / 0800 472 582 - Charter flights to Cape Reinga
Tuatua Rentals - P: 0274 858453 - E: info@tuatuarentals.co.nz - Offers transfers from Paihia and Kerikeri (both $75) or Kaitaia ($50) - enquire about transfers to/from other parts of the Northland trail.
Arthur Lancaster can provide drop-off service to Cape Reinga and/or long-term parking at Paua Bay. P: 09 4097500. Arthur can also advise on commencing the walk at Spirits Bay.
Tuatahi Airport Shuttle - Alex Nankivell - P: 021 08753196
Far North Tours (Johanna Maaka) - P: 09 409 8152 or 0204152878 - E: farnorthtours@gmail.com - pickup from Kaitaia iSite, can include a shopping stop and/or guided tour on way to Cape Reinga. From $80pp or $60pp in groups of two or more.
Tuatahi Airport Shuttle - Alex Nankivell - P: 021 08753196
Far North Tours (Johanna Maaka) - P: 09 409 8152 or 0204152878 - E: farnorthtours@gmail.com - pickup from Kaitaia iSite, can include a shopping stop and/or guided tour on way to Cape Reinga. From $80pp or $60pp in groups of two or more.
Peter Ellicott - from Northland Taxis offers a pick up from Mangonui and drop off at the Cape for $100pp - min charge of $200 text him on 021 070 5783 - www.northlandtaxisshuttles.co.nz
Detour option to accommodation
Note: 13km by stream & road to Waitiki Landing Park - SH 1 (20 kms south of Cape Reinga)
Waitiki Holiday Park - P: 09 409 7508 - E: manager@waitikiholidaypark.co.nz - Camping, cabins & backpackers, restaurants & takeaways, convenience store & internet café, drop off & pick up service for hikers.
Ninety Mile Beach
Accommodation
The Bluff Maunganui Bluff campground - This is a private camp operated by a local Trust. They are supportive of Te Araroa and happy for walkers to stay here however please be sure to pay a $10/night fee (carry some cash) into the secure honesty box so the reputation of Te Araroa is maintained, or this privilege will be at risk. Take care using the water and check all taps are off - water gets very low in summer. Look to the stream on the right of the campground (when looking inland from the beach), there is a bathtub there for water resupply - while the water is fresh from a nearby spring, we'd still recommend treating. Please respect that walkers are allowed to camp here with permission, be sure to camp on the grassed area of the campsite and don't go into the pine forest to camp.
Hukatere
Hukatere Lodge & Hukatere Camping Ground - 809 Hukatere Rd, Houhora - P: 09 4098705 or 021 884145 - E: info@hukatere.com -
Located right on Ninety Mile Beach
Utea Park - Hukatere Rd, Houhora - P: 021 804002 (Paul) - E: uteapark@gmail.com - tranport/advice also available.
Utea Park - Hukatere Rd, Houhora - P: 021 804002 (Paul) - E: uteapark@gmail.com - tranport/advice also available.
Waipapakauri
Ninety Mile Beach Holiday Park - 6 Matai St (off West Coast Rd), Waipapakauri - P: 09 406 7298 or freephone 0800 367 719 - E: ninetymilebeach@xtra.co.nz - They also offer transport to town, food or any other service upon request.
Ninety Mile Beach Holiday Park - 6 Matai St (off West Coast Rd), Waipapakauri - P: 09 406 7298 or freephone 0800 367 719 - E: ninetymilebeach@xtra.co.nz - They also offer transport to town, food or any other service upon request.
Ahipara
Accommodation
Endless Summer Lodge, 245 Foreshore Road, Ahipara, 09-4094181 www.endlesssummer.co.nz Great spot to stay :)
Baylinks Motel - 115 Takahe St, Ahipara - P: 09 409 4694 - E: baylinks@xtra.co.nz Website - www.baylinks.co.nz
Ahipara Bay Motel - 22 Reef View Rd - P: 09 409 4888 or 0800 906 453 - E: baymotel@ahipara.co.nz
More can be found at www.ahipara.co.nz
Ahipara Bay Motel - 22 Reef View Rd - P: 09 409 4888 or 0800 906 453 - E: baymotel@ahipara.co.nz
More can be found at www.ahipara.co.nz
Resupply
Superrette Supermarket - 4 Takahe St, Ahipara - P: 09 409 4828
Kaitaia
General Information
Far North I-SITE Visitor Information Centre - Te Ahu, Corner Matthews Avenue and South Road, Kaitaia - P: 09 408 9450 - E: kaitaia@visitnorthland.co.nz
Department of Conservation Information Office - 25 Matthews Ave, Kaitaia - P: 09 408 6014 - E; kaitaia@doc.govt.nz
Accommodation
Main Street Lodge - P: 09 408 1275 - E: mainstreet@xtra.co.nz - 235 Commerce St, Kaitaia
Private rooms, dorm rooms, kitchen, luggage storage, assistance with bookings.
Resupply
Pak N' Save Supermarket - 111 North Rd, Kaitaia - P: 09 408 6222
4 Four Square Supermarket
Requirements
- No fires
Environment
- Take all rubbish with you
- Use toilets provided
Amenities
(Start)
(Start)
- Car park
- Toilets
Amenities
(On Route)
(On Route)
- Basic camp site Twilight Beach - 2 DOC self-sufficient camping sites. One at the very northern end, among the rushes with a small stream for water (if not dried up). At the south end, there is a larger and more sheltered campsite behind the dunes just before the orange marker. It is best to bring water to this campsite.
Amenities
(End)
(End)
- Carpark
- Toilets
- Shop
- Accommodation YHA Ahipara
Closest Town(s)
Kaitaia & Ahipara. Sand Safaris run transport to Cape Reinga. Free Phone in NZ 0800 869 090
Managed by
Dept of Conservation
Contact
Dept of Conservation
Thanks to
Dept of Conservation
