Walking this section
Introduction
Te Araroa section: This day walk is a mixture of sealed road, 4WD track and Department of Conservation bushwalk. Ascending 297 metres, it offers views of the surrounding landscape in every direction.
Cullen Road to Cove Road (south) - 13.5 km
From the junction with Cove Road (north of Waipu Cove) (km 434.75), follow Cullen Road uphill for 7.5km. The road changes from sealed to 4WD track (at about the 4km mark) and eventually intercepts DOC’s Brynderwyn Walkway. This is primarily a graded farm track, but has some steep sections that can be slippery after rain.
- Note — there may be forestry harvest traffic on Cullen Road, generally operating Mon-Fri (and occasional Saturdays) 5am-4pm. Please observe any signage and traffic management instruction, particularly when tree-chopping is taking place near the road. We recommend you wear a hi-viz vest and/or pack covers. The private track on the topographical map at the top of Ruru Way is not a shortcut up to Cullen Road from the campsite. You will be asked to turn around.
Turn east and follow the Department of Conservation’s Brynderwyn Walkway (on Langsview track). You walk toward a highpoint of 297m and a trig at 276m for magnificent views in every direction.
Before the trig, pass through a kissing gate on the left and follow the marked track downhill. The track becomes a gravel 4WD and then a concrete driveway. Please follow the marked route, including the short bushwalk, turning off the concrete driveway, on your right as you near Cove Road (this is part of the access agreement). You will end up in the DOC carpark on Cove Rd (south of Waipu Cove).
Getting there
Track conditions
Potential hazards
- Vehicles on road or track
- Poisons & traps
- Farming operations
- Forestry operations
- Small stream crossings in paddock?
- Few water sources
No dogs allowed.
Accommodation
Campsites
Te Waorahi Campsite - km 452 - private
Brynderwyns Trail Hosts
- DragonSpell Retreat - Cullen Rd, Waipu (look for the signs at the very end of Cullen Rd, 7.5km up from Cove Rd) - P: 027 507 7750 - E: cosmickali@gmail.com
- Te Waorahi Campsite - Waorahi Conservation have generously provided a free camping area with water and toilet. This is situated part way along The Brynderwyn ridge, and is just off the DOC track.
Mangawhai Heads
- Mangawhai Lodge - 4 Heather St, Mangawhai Heads - P: 09 431 5311 - E: info@seaviewlodge.co.nz
- Mangawhai Backpackers - Coastal Cow, is at 299 Molesworth Dr, Mangawhai Heads - P: 09 431 5246 - E: mangawhaibackpackers@gmail.com
- Mangawhai Heads Motel or Camping Ground, Mangawhai Heads Rd, Mangawhai Heads - P: 09 431 4675
Mangawhai Village Trail Hosts
- Mangawhai Camping - We have a basic cottage and tenting with water, electricity and toilet in our small orchard at Mangawhai village, close to Shops and Food. Donation of $10pp appreciated. Call first please on Oh too wun 796 496. Your hosts - Mark and Kerry