Northland
The Northland Forests - OPEN
(North to South)
From the boat ramp on Ninety Mile Beach, head up Kaka St, turn right into Takahe Rd, right into Foreshore Rd, left into Roma Rd, right onto Kaitaia-Awaroa Rd then walk approx. 4.5km (past Pukeko Pa) to the start of the Herekino Forest Track on the left/east side of Herekino Saddle.
Herekino Forest Track - 15km / 8hr
The track climbs steeply for the first kilometre 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.
Water: It is recommended when crossing the Rangiheke Stream that you refill your water supplies to get you through to Takahue, as supplies en route may not always be clean.
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 - and 100m from the end of the forest track is where you'll find the "Tramp'Inn" accommodation - look out for the sign.
At the end of the track, there is another cleaning station - please give your boots a thorough clean, removing all mud, and a squirt of disinfectant - this helps prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease.
This stream is an ideal spot - for walkers heading in both directions - to give your footwear a clean between the Herekino and Raetea Forests - please take a couple of minutes to do this to help prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease.
** Note that there can be a lot of logging traffic on Waiotehue Rd, which can be narrow in parts. We advise EXTREME CARE here, wear a hi-viz vest or pack cover and dont listen to headphones while walking this road.
- The 744m Raetea summit
- An unnamed highpoint of 727m (past a junction with a track leading north on a route out to SH1)
- The 638m Kumetewhiwhia summit
- The 445m Umaumakaroro summit
The track then descends through bush and private farmland to Makene Rd, Mangamuka. The exit is into the yard of a house - they are used to walkers and happy to have you pass through - a hello and/or thank-you always goes down well. There are a number of working dogs here whose bark is literally worse than their bite. Walk steadily down the driveway and you'll be fine.
Walk NE to the junction with SH1. From the junction with SH1 & Makene Rd, keep following SH1 for 6.5km. This takes you through Mangamuka settlement and then south to Mangamuka Bridge. Turn east onto Omahuta Road and walk 5km to the junction with Jacksons Road & Omahuta Forest Roads. (This connection 13km / 3hr)
Omahuta Puketi Forest Track - 31km / 2 days
Back on route, continue along Kauri Pa Road a further 1km, then fork right onto Blackbridge Road (more 4WD track).
Follow along to cross a concrete ford over a stream (NB: if water is flowing over the top of it, do not proceed as this means water levels in the Mangapukahukahu gorge will be too dangerous). Then climb a further 1.5km until at the top of the climb, a 4WD track leads left along a soft ridge leading down to Mangapukahukahu Stream. The track is easy to follow down, past two old forestry skid sites. At the second/lower one, a track goes through the pampas grass on the right-hand side. It leads to a rough track (with orange markers) down through trees to the Mangapukahukahu Stream.
The stream is through a gorge and is subject to flash floods in heavy rain. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO GO FURTHER IF THERE IS HEAVY RAIN IN THE REGION.
As long as the weather is clear, walk SE criss-crossing between shoal banks in the stream for 2.5km until meeting up with the Waipapa River. Just before the junction between Mangapukahukahu and the Waipapa, keep a sharp eye out for a small track that will take you down to a shallower crossing point - immediately south (right) of the junction a track leads up the bank, and descends to a shoal where it is better to cross. It will be deep if you try and cross at the junction!
Take a lot of care and allow plenty of time when walking between the intersection of the Mangapukahukahu Stream and the bottom of the Pukatea Ridge Track, as it can be very slippery particularly after rain.
A short but very muddy climb up the bank meets up with the Lower Waipapa River Track. While parts are very rough, it is well-marked. Walk 2.5km NE to the streamside junction with the Pukatea Ridge Track. (The alternative is to try wading between shoal banks in/out of the Waipapa River but there are some deep sections).
The Pukatea Ridge Track climbs steeply and then on up the ridge through young kauri for 3.5km to meet the Takapau Track.
From the junction of Pukatea Ridge & Takapau Tracks, head NE for 300m to the junction with Walnut Track & Pirau Ridge Road (a well-formed 4WD road). Follow Pirau Ridge Road east for 9 km to the Puketi Forest Headquarters, Waiare Rd. There's a serviced DOC campsite here with toilets and shower, camping fees apply $8 per person per night. There is also a DOC hut with electricity, a fire and full cooking facilities $18 per person per night. Take care on Pirau Ridge Rd as vehicles and cyclists also use this road.
Wet Weather bypass option: Continue south (from Omahuta Rd turnoff) on SH1 for 22km, turn left into Puketi Rd and walk 9km to Waiare Rd, turn left and walk a further 2.5km to rejoin the Te Araroa route onto the Mangakaretu Track (Puketotara Farm).
Note: The Mangakaretu Track has seasonal closures for lambing - if that affects you, continue straight along Puketotara Rd from the Puketi/Waiare Rd intersection.
- Vehicles on road or track Take care walking on roads, particularly SH1
- Poisons & traps
- Forestry operations Take care between Diggers Valley Rd and Waiotehue Rd
- River canyons - flash floods. Use bypass in times of heavy rain
- River crossings - Never cross flooded rivers
- Small stream crossings
- Weather extremes
- Few water sources - carry plenty of water, refill whenever you can.
- Bush track can get muddy and slippery - take care.
(North to South)
From the boat ramp on Ninety Mile Beach, head up Kaka St, turn right into Takahe Rd, right into Foreshore Rd, left into Roma Rd, right onto Kaitaia-Awaroa Rd then walk approx. 4.5km (past Pukeko Pa) to the start of the Herekino Forest Track on the left/east side of Herekino Saddle.
Herekino Forest Track - 15km / 8hr
The track climbs steeply for the first kilometre 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.
Water: It is recommended when crossing the Rangiheke Stream that you refill your water supplies to get you through to Takahue, as supplies en route may not always be clean.
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 - and 100m from the end of the forest track is where you'll find the "Tramp'Inn" accommodation - look out for the sign.
At the end of the track, there is another cleaning station - please give your boots a thorough clean, removing all mud, and a squirt of disinfectant - this helps prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease.
This stream is an ideal spot - for walkers heading in both directions - to give your footwear a clean between the Herekino and Raetea Forests - please take a couple of minutes to do this to help prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease.
** Note that there can be a lot of logging traffic on Waiotehue Rd, which can be narrow in parts. We advise EXTREME CARE here, wear a hi-viz vest or pack cover and dont listen to headphones while walking this road.
- The 744m Raetea summit
- An unnamed highpoint of 727m (past a junction with a track leading north on a route out to SH1)
- The 638m Kumetewhiwhia summit
- The 445m Umaumakaroro summit
The track then descends through bush and private farmland to Makene Rd, Mangamuka. The exit is into the yard of a house - they are used to walkers and happy to have you pass through - a hello and/or thank-you always goes down well. There are a number of working dogs here whose bark is literally worse than their bite. Walk steadily down the driveway and you'll be fine.
Walk NE to the junction with SH1. From the junction with SH1 & Makene Rd, keep following SH1 for 6.5km. This takes you through Mangamuka settlement and then south to Mangamuka Bridge. Turn east onto Omahuta Road and walk 5km to the junction with Jacksons Road & Omahuta Forest Roads. (This connection 13km / 3hr)
Omahuta Puketi Forest Track - 31km / 2 days
Back on route, continue along Kauri Pa Road a further 1km, then fork right onto Blackbridge Road (more 4WD track).
Follow along to cross a concrete ford over a stream (NB: if water is flowing over the top of it, do not proceed as this means water levels in the Mangapukahukahu gorge will be too dangerous). Then climb a further 1.5km until at the top of the climb, a 4WD track leads left along a soft ridge leading down to Mangapukahukahu Stream. The track is easy to follow down, past two old forestry skid sites. At the second/lower one, a track goes through the pampas grass on the right-hand side. It leads to a rough track (with orange markers) down through trees to the Mangapukahukahu Stream.
The stream is through a gorge and is subject to flash floods in heavy rain. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO GO FURTHER IF THERE IS HEAVY RAIN IN THE REGION.
As long as the weather is clear, walk SE criss-crossing between shoal banks in the stream for 2.5km until meeting up with the Waipapa River. Just before the junction between Mangapukahukahu and the Waipapa, keep a sharp eye out for a small track that will take you down to a shallower crossing point - immediately south (right) of the junction a track leads up the bank, and descends to a shoal where it is better to cross. It will be deep if you try and cross at the junction!
Take a lot of care and allow plenty of time when walking between the intersection of the Mangapukahukahu Stream and the bottom of the Pukatea Ridge Track, as it can be very slippery particularly after rain.
A short but very muddy climb up the bank meets up with the Lower Waipapa River Track. While parts are very rough, it is well-marked. Walk 2.5km NE to the streamside junction with the Pukatea Ridge Track. (The alternative is to try wading between shoal banks in/out of the Waipapa River but there are some deep sections).
The Pukatea Ridge Track climbs steeply and then on up the ridge through young kauri for 3.5km to meet the Takapau Track.
From the junction of Pukatea Ridge & Takapau Tracks, head NE for 300m to the junction with Walnut Track & Pirau Ridge Road (a well-formed 4WD road). Follow Pirau Ridge Road east for 9 km to the Puketi Forest Headquarters, Waiare Rd. There's a serviced DOC campsite here with toilets and shower, camping fees apply $8 per person per night. There is also a DOC hut with electricity, a fire and full cooking facilities $18 per person per night. Take care on Pirau Ridge Rd as vehicles and cyclists also use this road.
Wet Weather bypass option: Continue south (from Omahuta Rd turnoff) on SH1 for 22km, turn left into Puketi Rd and walk 9km to Waiare Rd, turn left and walk a further 2.5km to rejoin the Te Araroa route onto the Mangakaretu Track (Puketotara Farm).
Note: The Mangakaretu Track has seasonal closures for lambing - if that affects you, continue straight along Puketotara Rd from the Puketi/Waiare Rd intersection.
The Herekino (Orowhana) Track was a joint project between Te Araroa Trust and the Department of Conservation. 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 6.5hrs, 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.
Water: It is recommended when crossing the Rangiheke Stream that you refill your water supplies if required.
The Northland Forests
- Approximately 20 campsites
- Cold showers
- Long drop toilets (there is usually toilet paper available, however it pays to take your own)
- Cold water tap
- Fires are currently not allowed due to the increased fire risks during summer
- 18 beds (two-tier platform bunks)
- Cold tap water - The water is not treated, you may wish to boil it before drinking
- Electricity
- Gas hob with wok burner
- Underbench fridge (small)
- Indoor fireplace (wood is sometimes available – check the wood store, otherwise take your own)
- 1 cold shower
- 2 non-flush toilets
- Indoor tables
- Mattresses
- Wear hi-viz clothing/pack cover and don't use headphones
- Take all rubbish with you
- Kiwis - no dogs allowed
- Conservation Area - No domestic animals allowed (i.e. includes dogs, cats or birds)
- Kauri tree disease risk - Clean boots between tracks; avoid standing on root systems
(Start)
- Car park
- Toilets
- Shop
- Accommodation YHA Ahipara
(On Route)
- Shop Mangamuka
- Basic camp site Apple Dam
(End)
- Carpark
- Picnic area
- Toilets
- Accommodation Book cabins & Puketi Hut with DoC Tel:+9 407-0300
