Walking this section
Introduction
Cross the Ngunguru River to Nikau Bay, or follow Ngunguru Road, through Mackerel Forest to Horahora and Pataua.
From Ngunguru Village take the FREE boat service provided by James across the Ngunguru River where you will connect to the Official TA Trail on the southern shores of the River.
Remember to TXT James 24hrs before your arrival on 021 0242 1632 if you wish to use this Free boat service. More details can be found below in the Transport Section for the Ngunguru area.
Once you’ve arrived on the south side of the Ngunguru River you then walk on the scenic, quiet and safe Ngunguru Ford road for approximately 8km to the start of the Mackerel Forest Track.”
When the Nikau Bay route is not available, see the notes for Ngunguru River Bypass
Mackerel Forest Track - 3.5 km / 1.5 hours
The track passes through private forest and may be subject to occasional closures due to forestry operations.
- Open daylight hours only.
- NO dogs, guns, vehicles, camping or fires.
- Two river crossings – never cross flooded rivers.
From the forestry gate, the track follows Mackerel Road (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.
The stream crossings at km 358.5 and km 359.25 rise quickly and significantly after heavy rain
It then turns south to meet and cross the Tāheke 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 Pātaua North Road.
Pātaua North Road to Horahora - 7.7 km
From Mackerel Forest Track logging gate, turn left (east) to join the Te Araroa route at km 369.05 on Pātaua North Road
Horahora to Pataua River - 5.6 km
Follow Pātaua North Road to the footbridge across Pataua River estuary
Getting there
Northern Start: North bank of Ngunguru River
Southern End: Pataua River footbridge
Track conditions
Track standard: Tramping track
Potential Hazards
- Vehicles on road or track.
When road walking, walkers should should wear high visibility clothing or accessories, not wear any earbuds, and remain vigilant for traffic. Walk on the right side of the road, facing oncoming traffic, where possible - No dogs allowed
- Multiple river crossings – please make an informed decision on tide flow and height of the river before crossing as this can be dangerous
- Do not cross rivers after or during heavy rain
- Please respect trail restrictions – do not trespass onto private property
- Clean boots before and after your walk to stop the spread of kauri dieback disease
Transport
Ngunguru
- FREE BOAT SERVICE ACROSS THE NGUNGURU RIVER. This boat service connects you to the Official TA trail on the south side of the Ngunguru River and to Nikau Bay Camp and Cabins.
If you decide to take the boat crossing TXT James ideally 24hrs before your arrival on 021 0242 1632 - BOAT CROSSING TIMES
If you’re staying at Nikau Bay Camp & Cabins the boat pick up time is generally around 2 to 5pm, but hey “I’m flexible” If you get in earlier txt me on 021 0242 1632 and I’ll pick you up…AND…provided conditions are good and you’re a confident swimmer you can swim/walk across the Ngunguru River, I’m happy to ferry your backpacks across by boat. There are FREE hot showers immediately waiting for you at Nikau Bay Camp when you come out of the water…James
- A 2 B Auckland Airport Direct Shuttle - (to/from Whangarei/Matapouri/Tutukaka) - P: 09 459 5221 or 027 273 7307
Accommodation
Ngunguru Campsites
Nikau Bay Camp and Cabins km 349.1
A beautiful waterfront camp located right on the official TA trail. Once you arrive into Ngunguru village, James, the camp owner provides a FREE boat ride to take you across Ngunguru River to Nikau Bay Camp & Cabins . OR if you’d like to swim across the Ngunguru River James is happy to take your backpack across in the boat. They’ll be a BIG HOT shower waiting for you at Nikau Bay Camp.
If you’re keen to use this free boat service TXT James ideally 24hrs before your arrival on 021 0242 1632
Our camp has waterfront tent sites and cabin accommodation, a beach for swimming, complimentary fresh greens from our organic garden plus morning coffee & tea, clean drinking water, lounge area, toilets, simple laundry facility and a large kitchen area with hot and cold running water.
Please use your own Cooker
You’re also welcome to use our fridge in the house and charge your phones.
plus free use of our kayaks to explore Ngunguru River
Ngunguru
- 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: 09 437 5375 or 021 069 0937 - 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
- Nikau Bay Camp and Cabins - 999 Ngunguru Ford Rd, Ngunguru - P: 021 024 21632 (texting preferred) - The owner cannot reply to phone calls from international numbers. Email instead, on ngunguru@live.com. James Johnstone can also be contacted on WhatsApp. James is your host at this beautiful spot on the southern shore of the Ngunguru Estuary. 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 it's a nice walk along Ngunguru Ford Rd out to continue the route south.
- James place closes each year between 1 May and 15 September - people walking during this time will need to use the road detour - Directions for Te Araroa road detour around Ngunguru and Horahora Rivers, Head west out of Ngunguru on the main tar seal road to Whangarei for about 10.5km. Turn left onto Ngunguru Ford Rd for 3 km. Turn right onto the Mackerel Track. Turn left once this track brings you out onto Pataua North Rd. This by-passes Ngunguru and Horahora Rivers...happy travels
-
Because accommodation in Ngunguru Township is minimal it's worth asking someone for accommodation on the Tutukaka and Ngunguru Community Facebook page the day before you arrive into Ngunguru
Ngunguru River Bypass Trail Hosts
- The Secret Spot Campsite
- On the Ngunguru River Bypass at Coalhill Lane, Kiripaka. 9km mark on the bypass route from Ngunguru.
- Shuttle available daily from Ngunguru village for those wanting to stay off the road (and up to Mackeral track in the morning if needed). Open for walkers every day of the year. SOBO and NOBO.
- A family owned organic farm, sheltered , forested riverside camp with some of Northlands best swimming holes. Hot outdoor shower, Toilet, Fresh clean water, fully equipped outdoor kitchen with gas cookers. Campfire and couches. Seasonal veges, fruit, eggs for those in need. Local knowledge and support. Happy to receive post parcels. Access to Whangarei if required. ( 10 mins by car) $25.00/night adult, $15.00 per child. Bookings essential on day or prior. WhatsApp/Text Anna 027 7097 111 or email korucreek@gmail.com
Food and supplies
Ngunguru
- Tutukaka Store
This Store is well stocked. It has an ATM and is open 7am to 6.30pm daily
- Ngunguru Store Main Rd, Ngunguru - P: 09 434 3858
This Store is the biggest shop on the Tutukaka Coast and is well stocked. It has an ATM and is open 7am to 7pm daily. Beside this store there is also a fish n chip and pizza shop.