Alternative Track
Omahuta-Puketi Wet Weather Bypass
Northern Start
Boat ramp, Kaka St, Ahipara
Southern End
Puketi Recreation Centre, Waiare Rd
Distance
98km
Time
4-5 days
Track Standard
Road margin   Footpath   Easy tramping track   Tramping track   Route   Mixed grade  
Potential Hazards
  • 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.
Description
(North to South)

 

The Herekino Forest is now closed due to Kauri DeiBack - as a result of this we ask that you follow the following suggestion from the boat ramp on Ninety Mile Beach, please follow the Ahipara road to Kaitaia (18km) please be careful on this road. From Kaitaia walkers will need to catch a lift (the road walk is very dangerous as it is state highway 1) to Ruaroa Road (5km).  You can then walk up that road to until you come to Takahue Road  (6km) and then walk to Takahue (4km) and rejoin the trail. Turn SE on Takahue Saddle Rd for 2.5km alongside the Takahue River until the junction with Warner Rd.

 Please see maps 6 +7 for more details. 
 
Raetea Forest Track - 18km / 9.5hr
 
**This track has little or no water sources - the stream adjacent to Takahue Saddle Rd is the last reliable water source.
 
From the junction with Warner Rd, follow the old Takahue Saddle Rd (just a track now) as it turns away from the River ( **last chance to fill your water bottles until Mangamuka) and climbs steeply through farmland for 2km. At the saddle, turn off left/East into the Raetea Forest. It's a rough climb up to the ridge and on to a 580m peak. 
 
The Raetea Forest has some of the highest peaks in Northland, so expect cloud and rain. The bush track follows the ridge line on a largely west-east basis past:
  • 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 - 30km / 2 days
 
Warning: Some beehives en route, poison and trapping for possums, rats and mustelids occurs within this forest. Goat control operations using contract hunters also occur within this forest.
 
For forest hygiene and visitor safety reasons it is requested that in Omahuta and Puketi Forests camping is restricted to the sites recommended by DOC - those being Apple Dam and Puketi Forest HQ (eastern edge of Puketi Forest). These sites have been identified for camping as they are away from kauri therefore reducing the risk of spreading kauri dieback disease and will be poison exclusion zones for possum control operations. Therefore please plan around using only these two sites.
 
From the junction, head east on well-formed single track forestry roads (vehicles are rare). 700m up Omahuta Forest Rd, continue straight ahead onto Kauri Sanctuary Rd. 
Keep travelling uphill for approx. another 6km past an airstrip on your left and occasional beehives tucked into the forest (just button up and walk gently past). The next major junction is where Kauri Pa Road runs off left. That’s the one to follow.
 
Detour to Apple Dam campsite: to camp, turn right into Kauri Sanctuary Road for 500m. A grassy 4WD track runs downhill on the left to a modest but pretty campsite with water tank/stream/dam and a long drop toilet. The kauri sanctuary is further down this same road. To avoid the spread of kauri dieback please do not camp around kauri. 

Back on route, continue along Kauri Pa Road a further 6km, then turn right into Jacksons Road - continue on this for around 4km then turn right into Mokau Ridge Road walk along here for 25 km until you get to the Puketi Campsite -please see maps 9-11 for more detail.
 
Downloads

  Download Map 1 (map006)

  Download Map 2 (map007)

  Download Map 3 (map008)

  Download Map 4 (map009)

  Download Map 5 (map010)

  Download Map 6 (map011)

  Download Trail Notes (The Northland Forests)

Note: Map is indicative only
Toggle Track
Extra Info
The Northland Forests 
 
Background Information
Local Maori know the forest as Orowhana, and the saddle as Te Arai, the door, where spirits pause before fleeing north to Cape Reinga. Poupou totems mark the sacred site and the central pou is carved in honour of Taunaha, an ancestor.

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

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  
 
Local transport/support
Some local accommodation places will provide transfers. Ask when you book.
Peter Griffiths of Takahue - Can provide a drop-off and pick up service for a small fee and some backpacker accommodation is available. Contact him in advance on P: 09 408 3685.
 
Local guide
Roger Gale - P: 09 409 3807 - E: roger@treeskills.co.nz - is available for guiding through Herekino and Raetea Forests
 
Acccommodation
 
Tramp'Inn (Alan and Hayley Tubbs) - 1479 Diggers Valley Rd (eastern exit of Herekino Forest) - P: 09 4088851 - E: bullandchicken@xtra.co.nz
Rustic 13-bunk hut and tentsites (by koha - $10/night), (cold) shower, drinking water and cooking facilities.
Peter Griffiths of Takahue - P: 09 4083685 - Can provide limited backpacker accommodation. 
DOC Puketi Recreation Centre (Campsite and Hut) - Waiare Rd, Puketi Hut booked through DOC - Pewhairangi / Bay of Islands - E: bayofislandsbooking@doc.govt.nz 
 
Resupply
Mangamuka Bridge Dairy - SH 1 Mangamuka Bridge - P: 09 401 9184 - takeaways available. 
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 7am - 6pm / Sat: 8.30am - 5pm / Sun: 9am - 3pm (these hours may shorten in winter)
 
It is recommended when crossing the Rangiheke Stream that you refill your water supplies if required.  
 
Puketi Recreation Area 
DOC Puketi Recreation Area - is located in Puketi Forest, near the Puketi Forest Hut
Turn off SH10 at Pungaere Rd, 600m north of Waipapa and follow signs to the camp. Access: 7km of gravel. Accessible to vehicles
and you can park next to your campsite. 
Location - NZTM2000 coordinates: E1672203, N6103217 / Latitude: -35.25809716, Longitude: 173.75371779  
Campsite Fees - Bookings are not required for the campground. Adult (18+ years): $8 per night, Child (5-17 years): $3 per night, Infant (0-4 years). FreePay at the self-registration stand at the campsite. Please ensure you have the correct funds to pay your camping fees, there is no change facility on site.
 
Campsite Facilities:
  • 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 
Puketi Forest Hut 
Puketi Forest Hut - There are several places that you can access the recreational area from. The recommended entry point is from SH10 approximately 600m north of the Waipapa Township. 
Turn left along Pungaere Road past the sign directing you to the Puketi Forest Park. Follow Pungaere Road for approximately 15 km. Take care as part of the road is gravelled. At a T-intersection, turn left, follow the road for about 2 km. The entrance of the recreational area will be on your right. 
Puketi Forest Hut Fees - Adult (18+ years): $18 per night, Youth (11-17 years): $9 per night, Child/Infant: (0-10 years): free
Bookings are essential. Book Puketi Forest Hut online 
 
If using alternative routes, refer to local maps as there is no DOC signage at other possible entry points to the Puketi Forest.
 
Puketi Forest Hut Facilities:
  • 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
 Makene Rd. camping now available - w.c/river/picnic table/washing line. By donation - trishterran@gmail.co.nz 

 

Requirements
  • Wear hi-viz clothing/pack cover and don't use headphones
Environment
  • 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
Amenities
(Start)
  • Car park
  • Toilets
  • Shop
  • Accommodation YHA Ahipara
Amenities
(On Route)
  • Shop Mangamuka
  • Basic camp site Apple Dam
Amenities
(End)
  • Carpark
  • Picnic area
  • Toilets
  • Accommodation Book cabins & Puketi Hut with DoC Tel:+9 407-0300
Closest Town(s)
Ahipara & Kaitaia
Managed by
Dept of Conservation, Kaitaia
Thanks to
Whakamaharatanga Marae
Alternative Track
Omahuta-Puketi Wet Weather Bypass
Northern Start
Boat ramp, Kaka St, Ahipara
Southern End
Puketi Recreation Centre, Waiare Rd
Distance
98km
Time
4-5 days
Track Standard
Road margin   Footpath   Easy tramping track   Tramping track   Route   Mixed grade  
Description
(North to South)

 

The Herekino Forest is now closed due to Kauri DeiBack - as a result of this we ask that you follow the following suggestion from the boat ramp on Ninety Mile Beach, please follow the Ahipara road to Kaitaia (18km) please be careful on this road. From Kaitaia walkers will need to catch a lift (the road walk is very dangerous as it is state highway 1) to Ruaroa Road (5km).  You can then walk up that road to until you come to Takahue Road  (6km) and then walk to Takahue (4km) and rejoin the trail. Turn SE on Takahue Saddle Rd for 2.5km alongside the Takahue River until the junction with Warner Rd.

 Please see maps 6 +7 for more details. 
 
Raetea Forest Track - 18km / 9.5hr
 
**This track has little or no water sources - the stream adjacent to Takahue Saddle Rd is the last reliable water source.
 
From the junction with Warner Rd, follow the old Takahue Saddle Rd (just a track now) as it turns away from the River ( **last chance to fill your water bottles until Mangamuka) and climbs steeply through farmland for 2km. At the saddle, turn off left/East into the Raetea Forest. It's a rough climb up to the ridge and on to a 580m peak. 
 
The Raetea Forest has some of the highest peaks in Northland, so expect cloud and rain. The bush track follows the ridge line on a largely west-east basis past:
  • 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 - 30km / 2 days
 
Warning: Some beehives en route, poison and trapping for possums, rats and mustelids occurs within this forest. Goat control operations using contract hunters also occur within this forest.
 
For forest hygiene and visitor safety reasons it is requested that in Omahuta and Puketi Forests camping is restricted to the sites recommended by DOC - those being Apple Dam and Puketi Forest HQ (eastern edge of Puketi Forest). These sites have been identified for camping as they are away from kauri therefore reducing the risk of spreading kauri dieback disease and will be poison exclusion zones for possum control operations. Therefore please plan around using only these two sites.
 
From the junction, head east on well-formed single track forestry roads (vehicles are rare). 700m up Omahuta Forest Rd, continue straight ahead onto Kauri Sanctuary Rd. 
Keep travelling uphill for approx. another 6km past an airstrip on your left and occasional beehives tucked into the forest (just button up and walk gently past). The next major junction is where Kauri Pa Road runs off left. That’s the one to follow.
 
Detour to Apple Dam campsite: to camp, turn right into Kauri Sanctuary Road for 500m. A grassy 4WD track runs downhill on the left to a modest but pretty campsite with water tank/stream/dam and a long drop toilet. The kauri sanctuary is further down this same road. To avoid the spread of kauri dieback please do not camp around kauri. 

Back on route, continue along Kauri Pa Road a further 6km, then turn right into Jacksons Road - continue on this for around 4km then turn right into Mokau Ridge Road walk along here for 25 km until you get to the Puketi Campsite -please see maps 9-11 for more detail.
 
Potential Hazards
  • 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.
Description
(North to South)

 

The Herekino Forest is now closed due to Kauri DeiBack - as a result of this we ask that you follow the following suggestion from the boat ramp on Ninety Mile Beach, please follow the Ahipara road to Kaitaia (18km) please be careful on this road. From Kaitaia walkers will need to catch a lift (the road walk is very dangerous as it is state highway 1) to Ruaroa Road (5km).  You can then walk up that road to until you come to Takahue Road  (6km) and then walk to Takahue (4km) and rejoin the trail. Turn SE on Takahue Saddle Rd for 2.5km alongside the Takahue River until the junction with Warner Rd.

 Please see maps 6 +7 for more details. 
 
Raetea Forest Track - 18km / 9.5hr
 
**This track has little or no water sources - the stream adjacent to Takahue Saddle Rd is the last reliable water source.
 
From the junction with Warner Rd, follow the old Takahue Saddle Rd (just a track now) as it turns away from the River ( **last chance to fill your water bottles until Mangamuka) and climbs steeply through farmland for 2km. At the saddle, turn off left/East into the Raetea Forest. It's a rough climb up to the ridge and on to a 580m peak. 
 
The Raetea Forest has some of the highest peaks in Northland, so expect cloud and rain. The bush track follows the ridge line on a largely west-east basis past:
  • 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 - 30km / 2 days
 
Warning: Some beehives en route, poison and trapping for possums, rats and mustelids occurs within this forest. Goat control operations using contract hunters also occur within this forest.
 
For forest hygiene and visitor safety reasons it is requested that in Omahuta and Puketi Forests camping is restricted to the sites recommended by DOC - those being Apple Dam and Puketi Forest HQ (eastern edge of Puketi Forest). These sites have been identified for camping as they are away from kauri therefore reducing the risk of spreading kauri dieback disease and will be poison exclusion zones for possum control operations. Therefore please plan around using only these two sites.
 
From the junction, head east on well-formed single track forestry roads (vehicles are rare). 700m up Omahuta Forest Rd, continue straight ahead onto Kauri Sanctuary Rd. 
Keep travelling uphill for approx. another 6km past an airstrip on your left and occasional beehives tucked into the forest (just button up and walk gently past). The next major junction is where Kauri Pa Road runs off left. That’s the one to follow.
 
Detour to Apple Dam campsite: to camp, turn right into Kauri Sanctuary Road for 500m. A grassy 4WD track runs downhill on the left to a modest but pretty campsite with water tank/stream/dam and a long drop toilet. The kauri sanctuary is further down this same road. To avoid the spread of kauri dieback please do not camp around kauri. 

Back on route, continue along Kauri Pa Road a further 6km, then turn right into Jacksons Road - continue on this for around 4km then turn right into Mokau Ridge Road walk along here for 25 km until you get to the Puketi Campsite -please see maps 9-11 for more detail.
 
Downloads

  Download Map 1 (map006)

  Download Map 2 (map007)

  Download Map 3 (map008)

  Download Map 4 (map009)

  Download Map 5 (map010)

  Download Map 6 (map011)

  Download Trail Notes (The Northland Forests)

Note: Map is indicative only
Toggle Track
Extra Info
The Northland Forests 
 
Background Information
Local Maori know the forest as Orowhana, and the saddle as Te Arai, the door, where spirits pause before fleeing north to Cape Reinga. Poupou totems mark the sacred site and the central pou is carved in honour of Taunaha, an ancestor.

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

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  
 
Local transport/support
Some local accommodation places will provide transfers. Ask when you book.
Peter Griffiths of Takahue - Can provide a drop-off and pick up service for a small fee and some backpacker accommodation is available. Contact him in advance on P: 09 408 3685.
 
Local guide
Roger Gale - P: 09 409 3807 - E: roger@treeskills.co.nz - is available for guiding through Herekino and Raetea Forests
 
Acccommodation
 
Tramp'Inn (Alan and Hayley Tubbs) - 1479 Diggers Valley Rd (eastern exit of Herekino Forest) - P: 09 4088851 - E: bullandchicken@xtra.co.nz
Rustic 13-bunk hut and tentsites (by koha - $10/night), (cold) shower, drinking water and cooking facilities.
Peter Griffiths of Takahue - P: 09 4083685 - Can provide limited backpacker accommodation. 
DOC Puketi Recreation Centre (Campsite and Hut) - Waiare Rd, Puketi Hut booked through DOC - Pewhairangi / Bay of Islands - E: bayofislandsbooking@doc.govt.nz 
 
Resupply
Mangamuka Bridge Dairy - SH 1 Mangamuka Bridge - P: 09 401 9184 - takeaways available. 
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 7am - 6pm / Sat: 8.30am - 5pm / Sun: 9am - 3pm (these hours may shorten in winter)
 
It is recommended when crossing the Rangiheke Stream that you refill your water supplies if required.  
 
Puketi Recreation Area 
DOC Puketi Recreation Area - is located in Puketi Forest, near the Puketi Forest Hut
Turn off SH10 at Pungaere Rd, 600m north of Waipapa and follow signs to the camp. Access: 7km of gravel. Accessible to vehicles
and you can park next to your campsite. 
Location - NZTM2000 coordinates: E1672203, N6103217 / Latitude: -35.25809716, Longitude: 173.75371779  
Campsite Fees - Bookings are not required for the campground. Adult (18+ years): $8 per night, Child (5-17 years): $3 per night, Infant (0-4 years). FreePay at the self-registration stand at the campsite. Please ensure you have the correct funds to pay your camping fees, there is no change facility on site.
 
Campsite Facilities:
  • 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 
Puketi Forest Hut 
Puketi Forest Hut - There are several places that you can access the recreational area from. The recommended entry point is from SH10 approximately 600m north of the Waipapa Township. 
Turn left along Pungaere Road past the sign directing you to the Puketi Forest Park. Follow Pungaere Road for approximately 15 km. Take care as part of the road is gravelled. At a T-intersection, turn left, follow the road for about 2 km. The entrance of the recreational area will be on your right. 
Puketi Forest Hut Fees - Adult (18+ years): $18 per night, Youth (11-17 years): $9 per night, Child/Infant: (0-10 years): free
Bookings are essential. Book Puketi Forest Hut online 
 
If using alternative routes, refer to local maps as there is no DOC signage at other possible entry points to the Puketi Forest.
 
Puketi Forest Hut Facilities:
  • 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
 Makene Rd. camping now available - w.c/river/picnic table/washing line. By donation - trishterran@gmail.co.nz 

 

Requirements
  • Wear hi-viz clothing/pack cover and don't use headphones
Environment
  • 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
Amenities
(Start)
  • Car park
  • Toilets
  • Shop
  • Accommodation YHA Ahipara
Amenities
(On Route)
  • Shop Mangamuka
  • Basic camp site Apple Dam
Amenities
(End)
  • Carpark
  • Picnic area
  • Toilets
  • Accommodation Book cabins & Puketi Hut with DoC Tel:+9 407-0300
Closest Town(s)
Ahipara & Kaitaia
Managed by
Dept of Conservation, Kaitaia
Thanks to
Whakamaharatanga Marae