Waikare to Ngunguru

Walking this section

Introduction

Note: Some parts of Russell Forest have been affected by kauri dieback disease. Following consultation with local iwi, Te Araroa has been re-routed around the east side of Russell Forest. The key reason is to respect the concerns of local iwi around reducing the potential spread of kauri dieback by our walkers.

The new route takes walkers to the eastern side of the forest along the Russell Whakapara Road, and south to the junction of Papakauri Road. 

Russell Whakapara Road from km 268.9 - 18km

Papakauri Road junction to Helena Bay - 13.6km

After passing Papakauri Road (km 287), keep going south on Russell Road, passing the Ōākura turnoff (6.5km) and the small settlement of Mōkau (8km) until reaching the junction of Russell Road and Webb Road, Helena Bay (13km). From the junction of Russell and Webb Road, follow Webb Road 0.5km to the start of the Helena Ridge Track. 

Helena Ridge Track - 9km / 4 hours

Please exercise caution when walking this track and keep moving when crossing the slip areas, particularly during or after wet weather. 

From Webb Road, climb the stile under the "High Chaparral" sign and make use of the cleaning station to ensure no dirt/mud remains on your footwear. 

Immediately after the sign, do not go up the hill, but follow around the hill on the little track on the right. Follow an old farm track that sidles around steep pasture where mānuka trees are regenerating. Go through a small patch of bush before the benched track ends and begin to climb a steep hill to meet a ridgeline that undulates through regenerating bush. 

While there is the occasional short scramble, the track is well formed and easy walking (though uphill most of the way).

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.

Note: When on farm tracks you may encounter some closed gates, and often, stretchy electrified wires. Carefully use the plastic handles to open, and leave gates open or closed as you found them.

At the very top there is another cleaning station. Please use this to again carefully remove mud from your footwear.

The last kilometre is an easy gravel farm track bringing you to Kaiikanui Road.

After coming out of the forest at km 307.5, approximately 1.7km before reaching Kaiikanui Road, there is a free camping spot with a water tank generously provided by the landowner. The water tank may be empty in dry conditions. There no toilet at this location.

The old route from Kaiikanui Road to Whananaki along the Morepork-Onekainga Track is closed.

Route to Whananaki via Kaiikanui Road - 13 km

On reaching Kaiikanui road, turn right (west) walk about 200 m and turn left into Bridle track road. This track will take you 1km along a 4wd track, then a rugged oxen track for 1.5km, then skirting around farm electric fences for the last km. Turn left into Whananaki North Road for 8km to the Whananaki Estuary track.

The Whananaki Estuary Track is 1.3 km long and will take you around the Estuary edge to the Whananaki Footbridge, the Whananaki Store and the campground.

Whananaki Coastal Track - 8.5km / 3 hours

Tide timetable for Whananaki Coastal Track

From Whananaki North village, there’s a track next to the school which leads to the footbridge. Once across, head east along the estuary (if the tide is high, there is a 1km detour by road around the back of the settlement) around the small settlement and over the spit before heading south on Pukekawa Road parallel to the shore. 

There is a possible diversion via a short, steeper track to the Capitaine Bougainville Memorial on the north point of Oruaea Bay. There are great views from here along the coast.

Note: There is limited beach access from the track – only at Sheltered Bay. 

Beyond Pitokuku Point, a grassy track goes behind private baches and over a stile to join up with a well-graded pōhutukawa-lined farm track/driveway with excellent views of the coast and the Poor Knights Islands. Continue on the driveway until reaching the gate at McAuslin Road.

Leaving the gate at the north end of McAuslin Road, head south down the road (looking out for traffic) to Sandy Bay, enjoying the beautiful beaches as you go.

Matapōuri Road to Ngunguru - 15.5 km

When you arrive into Sandy Bay, turn right onto Matapōuri Road and head west, inland, for approximately 3km. Turn left onto Kaiatea Road for 3.5 km

Turn left into Te Toiroa Road. Pass Kiwi Bush Lane (a loop road). Then take the narrow 'Old Coach Road' to Pukenui Road, which you follow until you merge right onto Waiotoi Road. This takes you all the way into the seaside village of Ngunguru. 

Ngunguru Road - 1.5km

Tide timetable for Ngunguru and Taiharuru Estuary Route

From Waiotoi Road, turn right/southwest onto Ngunguru Road. Just 200m down this road are 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

Getting there

Northern Start: Waikare

Southern End: North bank of Ngunguru River

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

Waikare

Waikare and the accommodation providers on Waikare Road are not located directly on Te Araroa due to the closure of Russell Forest and Papakauri Track in 2021. The accommodation options below are approximately 2 km off the current route

For information re Waikare amenities, contact Sheryl Wikaire on P: 027 309 3476 E: peter1.sheryl@gmail.com

• Sheryl's Place 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!

Russell Road - Tutaematai

• The Farm shuttle runs from The Farm at km 282.3 to Helena Bay on Webb Road, approximately 18 km by road. Contact The Farm on WhatsApp at +64 27 250 0046.

Matapouri

• A 2 B Auckland Airport Direct Shuttle (to/from Whangarei/Matapouri/Tutukaka) - P: 09 459 5221 or 027 273 7307

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

Accommodation

The Farm at Whangaruru

A family-owned working farm and farmstay directly on Te Araroa at 3632 Russell Road, km 282.3, with plenty of fellow travellers around and great facilities.

Camp spots, dorm rooms and private cabins are available.

All stays include hot showers, flush toilets, a shared kitchen, Wi-Fi, a library and TV room. Also available are community dinners, sauna, laundry facilities, morning yoga, massage, horse treks, an espresso coffee shop and a shuttle service to Helena Bay.

Based on TA walker feedback, the Farm has started running a morning shuttle to Helena Bay and Webb Road for those wanting to skip some road walking. The distance is approximately 17.5 km by road.

Book directly at www.thefarm.co.nz, or message or call on WhatsApp at +64 27 250 0046.

Cash or EFTPOS accepted at reception.

Punaruku

Make contact with Tammy at 2999 Russell Road- they have camping sites $15 per person for a camping spot - call Tammy on 027 240 4121

Oakura Bay

• Whangaruru Beachfront Camp - Ohawini Rd, Oakura Nth - P: 09 433 6806 - It has cabins, caravans, motel and campsites. Fully equipped kitchen for use. Hot free showers and a laundry. We have a small camp shop that stocks most basics and necessities. Phone number 09 433 6806, email: office@wbc2014.co.nz Walkers are offered the camps winter rates through the summer months, which is significantly cheaper. i.e. Campsite is $22.00 per head, winter: $17.00. Cabins range between $85 to $70 per night. Discount $75.00 to $60.00. etc.

Oakura Bay Trail Host

• Situated in an ideal position for walkers to stay right beside the ocean at our stunningly beautiful Oakura Bay, after walking from Waikare. Ngawai and Justin run a fishing charter on the beautiful Oakura Bay beachfront called Oakura Bay Fish Dive and Cruise. It offers both beachfront tent sites and other tent sites with spectacular views overlooking the whole beach, as well as well set up caravans. The tent sites are just $15 per night for Te Araroa walkers which includes spectacular location, excellent hot showers, and free WiFi. It also has a range of well-setup caravans on the beachfront that many walkers prefer for a break with comfortable beds, great views, and impressive facilities. They range from just $25 per person per night and also include well-setup facilities, excellent hot showers, and free WiFi. They can be viewed by searching for "Oakura Bay Caravans" on Airbnb, but are much cheaper for the walkers. The camp is ideal day's walk distance from Waikare, They also offer walkers the option of being driven up to restart their trail walking the next morning after a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Drop Ngawai and Justin a line on 027 462 5872 or oakura@xtra.co.nz

Helena Bay

• Hopewell B&B - 1349 Russell Rd, Helena Bay Hill - P: 09 433 9608 - We offer a dinner option on request (booking required 24hrs before arrival) and we also have single room rates. Furthermore we offer walkers to pick them up of the trail and return them the next day, as we are about 4.5km away from the trail, on Helena Bay Hill. It offers a $5 discount on the dinner option for Te Araroa walkers.

• There is a Department of Conservation campground at Waikahoa Bay in the Mimiwhangata Coastal Park. It is 4.5km from the Webb/Kaiikanui/Mimiwhangata Rd junction down to the coastal park then a further 1km over a hill to the campground. If you wish to stay here - Don't take the Helena Ridge Track and instead continue along Webb Rd. When leaving Mimiwhangata, continue uphill on Kaiikanui Rd to rejoin the route near km 309.2.  This road is getting more traffic than normal due to the long-term closure of Russell Road.  Traffic may be controlled and escorted for safety.  It may be possible to ask for a ride in the safety escort vehicle. The Department of Conservation Back Country Hut Pass does not apply and bookings are essential in peak season.

Helena Bay Trail Hosts

• Alex and Dave are friendly trail hosts in Helena Bay. We have a caravan that sleeps 3 and space for around 6 tent sites. Fresh water, hot shower, flush toilet and wifi available.
  • Please contact us for details.
  • Bookings preferred. 
  • P: Dave 027 433 9016 or Alex 022 045 4391
  • E: lxmartist73@gmail.com

• Kōmanawa Farmstay, 361 Kaiikanui Road - 
  
  • 30km south of "The Farm", 18km north of Whananaki.
  • 361 Kaiikanui Road is not on the current Te Araroa route. This section of  Kaiikanui Road was part of Te Araroa before August 2026
  • Stay on Kaiikanui road past the turnoff at km 309.1
  • Instructions from Kaiikanui Road: Take the driveway on the right. Continue all the way until you reach the red Woolshed building and sign in before setting up. Please do not stop at any of the houses before The Woolshed - these are private residences.
  • Hot Showers, Bathrooms, Flat Camping Spots (next to a stream), Spring Water, Charging Station, Basic Supplies available.
  • $25/night per person cash or internet banking transfer.

Whananaki

• Whananaki Holiday Park, Whananaki North Rd, Whananaki - $21/person for tent, $37/person for dorm cabin. Online booking available, even if we are showing as full, we will accommodate TA walkers on tent sites - P: 09 433 8896 - E: stay@whananakiholiday.co.nz

Matapouri

• AirBnB - Matapouri Road, Sandy Bay - P - 09 434 4066 E - chris@oceanswatch.org Established Airbnb and will offer summer camping from November 2020. Own tent or use our 5m glamping tent. Please email in advance for directions. We are at the top of Sandy Bay hill close to the track, in a convenient spot for a night after walking up Sandy Bay hill (this is on the alternative route from Sandy Bay to Ngunguru).
• Toilet facilities are available at the beach.

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 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

Russell Road - Tutaematai

• The Farm (km 282.3) Cooked dinners are available. Continental breakfasts are available by arrangement. Fresh eggs and cold drinks are available for purchase at reception. Small canteen plus coffee shop  open in the mornings.

Whananaki

• Whananaki North Beach Store - 2162 Whananaki North Rd, Whananaki Beach - P: 09 433 8466. This store shuts at 5pm. Also does Takeaway Fish and chips.

Matapouri

• Matapouri Store - 954 Matapouri Rd, Matapouri Bay - P: 09 434 3706
• Has an ATM which sometimes works, and sometimes people can get cash out with EFTPOS purchases from the store, but not with Credit Card purchases

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.