(North to South)
SOME PARTS OF RUSSELL FOREST HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY KAURI DIEBACK DISEASE - PLEASE TAKE CARE AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS TO WASH BOOTS ON WAY IN AND WAY OUT OF FOREST.
A RAHUI (traditional Maori precautionary closure) HAS BEEN APPLIED AT THE PUNARUKU ROAD END OF THE TRACK AND THE ENTRY/EXIT POINT FOR THE TIME BEING IS VIA PAPAKAURI ROAD.
This is a really enjoyable section where - if you're lucky - you'll meet some of the finest Trail Angels Te Araroa has to offer!
Russell Forest Track - 18km / 8hr
From the Waikare landing, Waikare Valley Road past the Waikare School, urupa (cemetary) and farms 3km to a roadbridge across the Waikare River. It then begins to narrow, and after a further kilometre you must ford the Waikare River. On a good day this is no more than ankle deep, and you can cross adjacent to the twisted remains of a concrete power pole laid on the river bed. It's a good opportunity to wash your boots and equipment on your way in and out of the forest - Russell Forest has confirmed cases of kauri dieback. After rain, it can be dangerous.
The track ahead runs parallel to the Papakauri Stream. This track is a Maori road, a surveyed access into Maori land blocks where the public does not have access by right. It was made part of Te Araroa after a series of meetings at Waikare Marae with the landowners. Please treat it with respect. After 1.5km the track tails out, and for the next 4km you're walking up the stream. This 4km across shoals and boulders will take longer than you anticipate, and you shouldn't attempt the route after or during heavy rain. If conditions are right though, it’s a beaut walk.
Where the stream finally intersects the Russell Forest Walkway, follow signage left (east) out to Papakauri Road/Russell Rd.
Turn right to head south on Russell Rd. From the junction of Punaruku Road & Russell Rd, continue south passing the Oakura turnoff (2.7km) and the small settlement of Mokau (4km) until reaching the junction of Russell Rd & Webb Rd, Helena Bay. From the junction of Russell & Webb Rd, follow Webb Rd 1km to the start of the Helena Ridge Track.
While there is the occasional short scramble, the track is well formed and easy (though uphill most of the way) walking.
At the highest point, the track turns east, alternating between pasture, farm track and native bush. Here you can enjoy glimpses of the magnificent canopy of large native trees below and the coast in the distance. When on farm track you may encounter some closed gates, often stretchy electrified wires - carefully use the plastic handles to open and leave gates open or closed as you found them.
The last kilometre is an easy gravel farm track bringing you to Kaiikanui Rd - turn left (E) here and walk 1km to the start of the Morepork-Onekainga Track.
Continue on old bush tracks in a SE direction down ridgelines to some pretty little streams before climbing steeply all the way up again (174m down then up). At the top, you climb stiles onto well-formed farm tracks. After 500m, turn left off the farm track and cross 200m through a small pine plantation (there are no markers allowed on these pines so navigate carefully) to a boundary fence just west of the Onekainga Trig (227m) and more views. Stay on the track and follow the fenceline past the pine and then down the ridgeline in native bush for 1.5km. By now you have left the Waetford block, and are in the Harman’s farm and just as you leave the bush, have lovely views over the inner Whananaki estuary. There is another cleaning station here and again, please remove all mud from your footwear before continuing.
For the last 800m, you begin following the markers down the fenceline and then cross a pasture (look for the lone tree) then down the other fenceline and along a small creek. There may be magnificent Charolais bulls grazing. If so, walk slowly and quietly, waiting for them to move if need be. At the southern end of the property, over the stile, you emerge onto Whananaki North Rd.
It then enters Matariki Forest’s harvested pine and eucalyptus plantation where you can currently enjoy occasional views of the Coast.
You then follow the orange markers SE down a forest road (unsigned Seaview Track) for approx 1km, before turning west into another forest road (unsigned Oyster Track). This forest road dissects a DOC native bush reserve and passes Tane Moana, a breath-taking giant kauri tree, before coming back into forest lands on a high point with great views up and down the valley (now that the pines have been cut).
At a skid site, the road merges into a narrower, metalled track that descends through newly harvested & replanted forest land.
Leaving the forestry lands at a stile, the last 200m of the track crosses pasture to another stile. After short walk through bush, you emerge onto Waiotoi Rd, above Ngunguru. Follow this downhill to the village.
Ngunguru
From Waiotoi Rd, turn right/SW onto Ngunguru Rd. Just 200m down this road is the Ngunguru Village shops. If you need food supplies, now is a good time to get them as the next shops on the trail are 2-3 days walk away.
The Ngunguru River Boat Crossing is another 1km walk past the shops SW along Ngunguru Rd.
Take the first left into Papaka Rd and walk 80m to the edge of the estuary.
It is essential to ring or txt James Johnston 24 hrs prior to your boat ride on 021 0242 1632.
James will do his best to pick you up at a time that suits you - text ahead to ask.
The boat arrives at Nikau Bay Camp and Cabins. Here you have the option of staying the night either tenting or in a cabin. Hot showers and kitchen facilities are also available, all at discounted rates to Te Araroa walkers.
From Nikau Bay walk W for 8km along the scenic Ngunguru Ford Rd to connect to the Mackerel Track - which begins to the S just where the gravel road becomes sealed.
Should you not wish to take this route via Nikau Bay, please see the road walk alternative.
Open daylight hours only.
From the forestry gate, the track follows Mackerel Rd (a forest road) largely downhill through a pine forest. At the bottom of the hill, it crosses the Waitangi River which is usually knee/thigh depth. From there, the track follows the river bank through a recently harvested area of the forest.
It then turns South to meet and cross the Taheke River – at the shallower ford between the deeper pools - and clambers up the southern bank. The track continues on the true right river bank until meeting an old logging track that climbs steeply up and around a pine-covered hill before dropping down to a logging gate on Pataua North Road.
From Mackerel Forest Track logging gate, follow Pataua North Road 13km to the Pataua North settlement.
Turn SW down Taiharuru Rd for 500m to Harambee Rd. 1km up this road is the small parking area.
Near the top of the driveway, follow orange markers to climb over a stile & up through pasture, then regenerating bush to the trig (where the view is blocked by bush). From there, follow the orange-marked bush track down the southern side to Kauri Mountain Rd.
Tide information: Check the best times for walking on www.niwa.co.nz/our-services/online-services/tides.
When you're first on the beach there is a stream/occasional estuary that changes shape a lot - do check it before attempting to cross and on some occasions, if the tide is high you're best to wait for the tide to drop a little.
Head south down the beach running parallel with DOC’s Ocean Beach Recreation Reserve.
Near the southern end of the beach, a sand track leads up to a carpark, toilet and Ocean Beach Rd.
Note a freedom camping bylaw is in place that prohibits camping in this carpark.
Tide information: Check the best times for walking on www.niwa.co.nz/our-services/online-services/tides.
Please take care when opening gates that you leave them as you find them. There may be farm animals on this track.
Bream Head (Te Whara) Track - 7km / 5-6hr
Walk to the southern end of Ocean Beach and climb to the ridge beyond. The track is well formed but steep. Continue on past a WWII naval radar station to the Bream Head/Te Whara summit. It’s worth the short detour to the viewing platform. The rock formations & coastal views are spectacular.
Half way along the ridgeline, there is the track exiting to the north/Ocean Beach Rd and another going steeply down to the south & Peach Cove (DOC hut - not included in back-country hut pass). This is a detour - see details in extra info.
Continue along the ridge to Mt Lion (Matariki) then down a lot of steps to Urquharts Bay, passing the Busby Head loop track.
Great coastal views from many parts of the track.
To continue Te Araroa south from this point onwards, you'll need to get across the channel to Marsden Point.
The descriptions that follow are still on the northern side of the harbour and simply take you along a waterfront area.
You don't have to complete these - the sooner you get a boat ride, the sooner you're heading directly south again, and not just sidling west.
We recommend using the people listed below - you can try your luck waiting for a passing boatie but they may not be able to take you, so can be unreliable. If you do get picked up - be sure to offer a koha (voluntary donation) towards fuel costs.
If you need to go to Whangarei City for re-supply, there's good hitchhiking from here on along the road.
For more information on the Whangarei Harbour crossing and Marsden Point please visit the Northland Regional Council's website following this link: http://www.nrc.govt.nz/Living-in-Northland/On-the-water/Safe-boating/#marsdenpt
Toilets, cafe, phone, accommodation available at the Whangarei Heads village and at Marsden Cove marina you will find a cafe, toilets and phone facilities.
- Vehicles on road or track Take extreme care on road walks
- Farming operations
- Forestry operations
- Tides, waves & rivers - safer at low tide
- River crossings - Never cross flooded rivers
- Small stream crossings
- Track exposed to sun, wind or cold
(North to South)
SOME PARTS OF RUSSELL FOREST HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY KAURI DIEBACK DISEASE - PLEASE TAKE CARE AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS TO WASH BOOTS ON WAY IN AND WAY OUT OF FOREST.
A RAHUI (traditional Maori precautionary closure) HAS BEEN APPLIED AT THE PUNARUKU ROAD END OF THE TRACK AND THE ENTRY/EXIT POINT FOR THE TIME BEING IS VIA PAPAKAURI ROAD.
This is a really enjoyable section where - if you're lucky - you'll meet some of the finest Trail Angels Te Araroa has to offer!
Russell Forest Track - 18km / 8hr
From the Waikare landing, Waikare Valley Road past the Waikare School, urupa (cemetary) and farms 3km to a roadbridge across the Waikare River. It then begins to narrow, and after a further kilometre you must ford the Waikare River. On a good day this is no more than ankle deep, and you can cross adjacent to the twisted remains of a concrete power pole laid on the river bed. It's a good opportunity to wash your boots and equipment on your way in and out of the forest - Russell Forest has confirmed cases of kauri dieback. After rain, it can be dangerous.
The track ahead runs parallel to the Papakauri Stream. This track is a Maori road, a surveyed access into Maori land blocks where the public does not have access by right. It was made part of Te Araroa after a series of meetings at Waikare Marae with the landowners. Please treat it with respect. After 1.5km the track tails out, and for the next 4km you're walking up the stream. This 4km across shoals and boulders will take longer than you anticipate, and you shouldn't attempt the route after or during heavy rain. If conditions are right though, it’s a beaut walk.
Where the stream finally intersects the Russell Forest Walkway, follow signage left (east) out to Papakauri Road/Russell Rd.
Turn right to head south on Russell Rd. From the junction of Punaruku Road & Russell Rd, continue south passing the Oakura turnoff (2.7km) and the small settlement of Mokau (4km) until reaching the junction of Russell Rd & Webb Rd, Helena Bay. From the junction of Russell & Webb Rd, follow Webb Rd 1km to the start of the Helena Ridge Track.
While there is the occasional short scramble, the track is well formed and easy (though uphill most of the way) walking.
At the highest point, the track turns east, alternating between pasture, farm track and native bush. Here you can enjoy glimpses of the magnificent canopy of large native trees below and the coast in the distance. When on farm track you may encounter some closed gates, often stretchy electrified wires - carefully use the plastic handles to open and leave gates open or closed as you found them.
The last kilometre is an easy gravel farm track bringing you to Kaiikanui Rd - turn left (E) here and walk 1km to the start of the Morepork-Onekainga Track.
Continue on old bush tracks in a SE direction down ridgelines to some pretty little streams before climbing steeply all the way up again (174m down then up). At the top, you climb stiles onto well-formed farm tracks. After 500m, turn left off the farm track and cross 200m through a small pine plantation (there are no markers allowed on these pines so navigate carefully) to a boundary fence just west of the Onekainga Trig (227m) and more views. Stay on the track and follow the fenceline past the pine and then down the ridgeline in native bush for 1.5km. By now you have left the Waetford block, and are in the Harman’s farm and just as you leave the bush, have lovely views over the inner Whananaki estuary. There is another cleaning station here and again, please remove all mud from your footwear before continuing.
For the last 800m, you begin following the markers down the fenceline and then cross a pasture (look for the lone tree) then down the other fenceline and along a small creek. There may be magnificent Charolais bulls grazing. If so, walk slowly and quietly, waiting for them to move if need be. At the southern end of the property, over the stile, you emerge onto Whananaki North Rd.
It then enters Matariki Forest’s harvested pine and eucalyptus plantation where you can currently enjoy occasional views of the Coast.
You then follow the orange markers SE down a forest road (unsigned Seaview Track) for approx 1km, before turning west into another forest road (unsigned Oyster Track). This forest road dissects a DOC native bush reserve and passes Tane Moana, a breath-taking giant kauri tree, before coming back into forest lands on a high point with great views up and down the valley (now that the pines have been cut).
At a skid site, the road merges into a narrower, metalled track that descends through newly harvested & replanted forest land.
Leaving the forestry lands at a stile, the last 200m of the track crosses pasture to another stile. After short walk through bush, you emerge onto Waiotoi Rd, above Ngunguru. Follow this downhill to the village.
Ngunguru
From Waiotoi Rd, turn right/SW onto Ngunguru Rd. Just 200m down this road is the Ngunguru Village shops. If you need food supplies, now is a good time to get them as the next shops on the trail are 2-3 days walk away.
The Ngunguru River Boat Crossing is another 1km walk past the shops SW along Ngunguru Rd.
Take the first left into Papaka Rd and walk 80m to the edge of the estuary.
It is essential to ring or txt James Johnston 24 hrs prior to your boat ride on 021 0242 1632.
James will do his best to pick you up at a time that suits you - text ahead to ask.
The boat arrives at Nikau Bay Camp and Cabins. Here you have the option of staying the night either tenting or in a cabin. Hot showers and kitchen facilities are also available, all at discounted rates to Te Araroa walkers.
From Nikau Bay walk W for 8km along the scenic Ngunguru Ford Rd to connect to the Mackerel Track - which begins to the S just where the gravel road becomes sealed.
Should you not wish to take this route via Nikau Bay, please see the road walk alternative.
Open daylight hours only.
From the forestry gate, the track follows Mackerel Rd (a forest road) largely downhill through a pine forest. At the bottom of the hill, it crosses the Waitangi River which is usually knee/thigh depth. From there, the track follows the river bank through a recently harvested area of the forest.
It then turns South to meet and cross the Taheke River – at the shallower ford between the deeper pools - and clambers up the southern bank. The track continues on the true right river bank until meeting an old logging track that climbs steeply up and around a pine-covered hill before dropping down to a logging gate on Pataua North Road.
From Mackerel Forest Track logging gate, follow Pataua North Road 13km to the Pataua North settlement.
Turn SW down Taiharuru Rd for 500m to Harambee Rd. 1km up this road is the small parking area.
Near the top of the driveway, follow orange markers to climb over a stile & up through pasture, then regenerating bush to the trig (where the view is blocked by bush). From there, follow the orange-marked bush track down the southern side to Kauri Mountain Rd.
Tide information: Check the best times for walking on www.niwa.co.nz/our-services/online-services/tides.
When you're first on the beach there is a stream/occasional estuary that changes shape a lot - do check it before attempting to cross and on some occasions, if the tide is high you're best to wait for the tide to drop a little.
Head south down the beach running parallel with DOC’s Ocean Beach Recreation Reserve.
Near the southern end of the beach, a sand track leads up to a carpark, toilet and Ocean Beach Rd.
Note a freedom camping bylaw is in place that prohibits camping in this carpark.
Tide information: Check the best times for walking on www.niwa.co.nz/our-services/online-services/tides.
Please take care when opening gates that you leave them as you find them. There may be farm animals on this track.
Bream Head (Te Whara) Track - 7km / 5-6hr
Walk to the southern end of Ocean Beach and climb to the ridge beyond. The track is well formed but steep. Continue on past a WWII naval radar station to the Bream Head/Te Whara summit. It’s worth the short detour to the viewing platform. The rock formations & coastal views are spectacular.
Half way along the ridgeline, there is the track exiting to the north/Ocean Beach Rd and another going steeply down to the south & Peach Cove (DOC hut - not included in back-country hut pass). This is a detour - see details in extra info.
Continue along the ridge to Mt Lion (Matariki) then down a lot of steps to Urquharts Bay, passing the Busby Head loop track.
Great coastal views from many parts of the track.
To continue Te Araroa south from this point onwards, you'll need to get across the channel to Marsden Point.
The descriptions that follow are still on the northern side of the harbour and simply take you along a waterfront area.
You don't have to complete these - the sooner you get a boat ride, the sooner you're heading directly south again, and not just sidling west.
We recommend using the people listed below - you can try your luck waiting for a passing boatie but they may not be able to take you, so can be unreliable. If you do get picked up - be sure to offer a koha (voluntary donation) towards fuel costs.
If you need to go to Whangarei City for re-supply, there's good hitchhiking from here on along the road.
For more information on the Whangarei Harbour crossing and Marsden Point please visit the Northland Regional Council's website following this link: http://www.nrc.govt.nz/Living-in-Northland/On-the-water/Safe-boating/#marsdenpt
Toilets, cafe, phone, accommodation available at the Whangarei Heads village and at Marsden Cove marina you will find a cafe, toilets and phone facilities.
For information re Waikare amenities, contact Sheryl Wikaire on P: 027 3093476 E: peter1.sheryl@gmail.com
Sheryl also has tenting available for walkers at 228 Waikare Valley Rd (koha/donation please) - call Sheryl, or information at the Russell GAS station.
Sheryl's place is 1km from the Russell Forest at 228D Waikare Valley Rd, just phone or text to arrange.
Note that Sheryl's place is "off the grid" - composting toilet available on request and kauri dieback cleaning facilities available, please make use of these!
Helena Bay
Morepork-Onekainga Track
The Onekainga section of this track is on private land - bush and farm, please respect this privilege. Open daylight hours only. NO dogs, horses, vehicles, guns, litter or fires.
It is recommended to use GPS and Topo maps for this track.
Whananaki
Resupply
Whananaki Beach Store - 2162 Whananaki North Rd, Whananaki Beach - P: 09 433 8466
Matapouri
A 2 B Auckland Airport Direct Shuttle (to/from Whangarei/Matapouri/Tutukaka) - P: 09 459 5221 or 027 273 7307
Tui Cabin, 2km up Clements Rd, Matapouri Bay - (just past #152, 500m off the route) - P: 09 434 4977 or 027 3783046 - E: bobgilbert@xtra.co.nz - Two double bedrooms, gas cooker, fireplace, (warm) showers.
Resupply
Matapouri Store - 954 Matapouri Rd, Matapouri Bay - P: 09 434 3706
Ngunguru
Getting there/away
A 2 B Auckland Airport Direct Shuttle - (to/from Whangarei/Matapouri/Tutukaka) - P: 09 459 5221 or 027 273 7307
Tutukaka Coast Motor Lodge - 2015 Ngunguru Rd, Ngunguru - P: 09 434 3840
Goldstones - 8 Papaka Rd, Ngunguru - P: 09 434 3095 - E: watersedge@goldstones.co.nz
Sam's Bush Retreat - Waipoka Rd, Kiripaka P: 09 4375375 or 021 0690937 - Mention Te Araroa to get a discount
Baches to rent - Coastal Holiday Homes - P: 09 434 4146 or 027 482 6408 - E: info@coastalholidayhomes.co.nz
Campsites $10pp/night - caravan, dinghy, horses, kayak available
The camp has tent sites, and showers/cooking facilities and James can help get you across the estuary via boat/kayak. You'll need to text him at least a day in advance to arrange this. Then its a nice walk along Ngunguru Ford Rd out to continue the route south.
Ngunguru 4 Square - Main Rd, Ngunguru - P: 09 434 3858
Taiharuru Estuary
Tidesong B & B - Beasley Rd, Taiharuru - P: 09 436 1959 - E: stay@tidesong.co.nz - They also can provide lunch, afternoon teas, dinghy rides across the Estuary as well as advice and transport.
Treasure Island campground - Mahanga Rd, Pataua South - P: 09 436 2390 - E: treasure@xtra.co.nz - Please note: Not usually open in winter months, and the basic supply shop is only open for 6 weeks, over the peak summer period.
Ocean Beach/Bream Head (Te Whara) Track
Self contained cottage in its own garden, queen size bed, linen, shower, TV, fridge, microwave, washing machine, self-catering.
Enquire with Dougie about crossing to Marsden Point - conditions permitting.
A 2 B Auckland Airport Shuttle - (to/from Whangarei, Marsden Point, Ruakaka, Whangarei Heads) - P: 09 459 5221 or 027 273 7307
Stans Van Passenger Service - RD 4, Whangarei Heads - P: 09 434 0024
Accommodation
Sparkling Waters Lodge B & B and self contained accommodation available - 346 Ocean Beach Rd, Whangarei Heads Ocean Beach - P: 09 434 0979 or 021 949 189 - E: jagould@xtra.co.nz
Bream Head Getaway, 310 Ocean Beach Rd, Whangarei Heads - P: 09 4340655 or 021 550249 (Melissa). Healthy and wholesome food packs for sale as you pass through, and water top-ups available before heading onto Bream Head. Luggage storage/drop-off available for those staying so you can walk Bream Head with a daypack.
Unguided walk package
Bream Head Coast Walks - 395 Ody Rd, RD 4, Whangarei Heads - P: 09 434 0571 - E: Claire@coastwalks.co.nz - W: 3 day unguided walk package for up to 12 pax, season 1 October - 31 May - bookings are essential.
Boat Charters
Duncan Thorpe and Peter Cross can get people across from Reotahi Bay to Marsden Point.
- Keep to the track
- Respect private land
- Leave gates as you find them
- No dogs
- No horses
- No firearms
- No vehicles
- Wear hi-viz clothing/pack cover and don't use headphones
- Take all rubbish with you
- Kiwis - no dogs allowed
- Wildlife Sanctuary - Avoid dune nesting sites; 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)
- No amenities
- Toilets Toilet available at Sheryl Wikaire, see contacts
(On Route)
- Shop - see Trail Notes
- Accommodation along route - see Trail Notes
(End)
- Full range of amenities in Whangarei
- Accommodation YHA Whangarei
