Te Araroa - the Long Pathway

Down the coastline, through the forest, across farmland, over volcanoes and mountain passes, along river valleys, and on green pathways across seven cities. New Zealand’s longest pathway, and indeed the world, passes through Tutukaka, and the Giant Kauri tree, Tane Moana.
The track climbs through delightful private pasture lands, pine forest and regenerating bush where significant efforts are being made to preserve kiwis and remove their predators.

It then enters Matariki Forest’s newly cut pine and eucalyptus plantation and follows a forest road (Seaview Track) south before turning west into another forest road (Oyster Track). This well developed road dissects a DOC native bush reserve then crosses more newly harvested forest land.  The road then turns into a clay track.

Leaving the forestry lands, the last 200m of the track crosses farmed pasture to emerge on Waiotoi Rd, with occasional views of the Coast.

3,000 kilometres. Dozens of volunteers. A tramping trail from Cape Reinga in the north to Bluff in the south. Opening late 2010 - one of the world’s longest walking trails. More here

Coastal & Bush Walks

Enjoy the many and varied coastal walkways between and leading to beaches through native bush. Whale Bay is perhaps the most famous but there are dozens of other coastal and inland walkways for all fitness levels and interests.

To add information to this site about other Tutukaka Coast Walkways you know and love or comments on the walkways below please use the “comments” function at the top of this post or email us your information and images directly.

Whale Bay Walkway

Whale Bay Carpark (top of the hill on Matapouri Rd after Matapouri Bay) to Whale Bay beach.

Walking Time: 30 minutes round trip (also allow time to enjoy the beach, have a picnic or a swim)

Access: Well maintained gravel track, steep at times. Stairs at the bottom or a pathway to the beach. Suitable for all levels of fitness and well worth the effort!

Carparking: Free carpark at the top of the hill.  Note; Please do not leave your valuables in the car or lugguage on display when leaving the vehicle.

Directions: Follow the track through the gateway adjacent to the carpark off Matapouri Rd, through native bush. There are spectacular views along the track of Whale Bay and northwards along the coast towards Whananaki and Cape Brett. The track ends at the beach.

If you have extra time on your return trip up the hill you can add on the walkway to Matapouri by taking the marked path 1/2 way up the hill. See Matapouri to Whale Bay Walkway post for more info.

Matapouri to Whale Bay Walkway

Ringer Ave Carpark at Matapouri Bay (left off Morrison Ave) to Whale Bay beach.

Walking Time: 45 minutes round trip (also allow time to enjoy the beaches, have a picnic or a swim)

Access: A combination of walking on the beach, dirt track and gravel track, steep climbing at times. Quite steep if you access the path from Pebbly Bay.  Due to the steepness of the track a reasonable level of fitness and good shoes are recommended.

Carparking: Free carpark at Ringer Ave.  Note; Please do not leave your valuables in the car or lugguage on display when leaving the vehicle.

Directions: Option 1: Matapouri Beach route. Walk North along Matapouri Beach towards Pebbly Bay and at the end of beach you will find a steep track. The path leads up over the hill, (eventually turn right) along the ridge and down to Whale Bay. Views from the top include Woolley’s Bay and northwards up the coast towards Whananaki. The track ends at Whale Bay beach. This area is a public reserve. Whale Bay provides safe swimming, good snorkelling and shade from the Pohutukawa Trees that line the bay. Matapouri is also good for swimming and due to the different position of the bay may offer different swimming conditions depending on the swell and wind direction. You can return via the alternative inland loop route below or back along the pathway you came in on.

Option 2: Inland route. Take the clearly defined track from the carpark up the hill through native bush. At the top of the hill take the path to the right heading downhill towards Whale Bay. You can either return via Pebbly Bay and along Matapouri Beach or return along the same pathway you arrived on.

If you have less time or fitness you can follow the direct Whale Bay Walkway from the carpark on Matapouri Rd.

Ngunguru Mangrove Walkway

Ngunguru Library to Munroe Place. This walkway was developed by the local community with the elderly and physically challenged in mind, The pleasant stroll includes paths through bush and boardwalks through mangroves. Seating is provided along the way and the sheltered pathway is safe and well maintained.

Walking Time: 20 minutes round trip at an easy stroll

Access: Flat, level pathway and boardwalk suitable for wheelchairs and all fitness levels.

Carparking: Near the library on Ngunguru Road and Munroe Place (turn left at the Whangarei end of Ngunguru - before the 1st one way bridge).

Directions: Start at Munroe Place (at the Whangarei end of Ngunguru, before the 1st one way bridge). The pathway ends at the library (other side of the one way bridge) at the start of the Ngunguru waterfront. The Ngunguru Mangrove Walkway can be done in either direction. For a longer walk start at the shops/cafe at Ngunguru and walk along the picturesque estuary waterfront before you get to the walkway.

Ngunguru Estuary to Whangaumu Bay Walkway

Ngunguru to Whangaumu Bay Walkway - only accessible 2hrs either side of low tide. A combination of beach walking, fantastic lookout views and rocky outcrops.

Walking Time: 40 minutes oneway from either direction.

Access: A combination of beach walking, rocks, grass and a steep track. Note: outside of 2 hours either side of low tide access is restricted by the sea level around the coast and at the estuary.

Carparking: Free carpark on Te Maika Rd or at Whangaumu Bay.  Note; Please do not leave your valuables in the car or lugguage on display when leaving the vehicle.

Directions: Take Te Maika Rd on the right before you go up the hill to Tutukaka at the northern end of Ngunguru village (after the 2nd oneway bridge). Park at the end of the road and cross the estuary towards the beach. Follow the coast along sheltered sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and grass ridges. From Red Rock Bay climb the grass ridge track to the lookout. The 360 degree views include Whangarei Heads, Taiharuru, Pataua, Hora Hora, Goat Island, Ngunguru Sandspit and Whangaumu Bay. There is a seat at the top to rest your legs before the steep track which leads down to the southern end of Whangaumu Bay. Return along the same route or arrange for someone to pick you up from Whangaumu Bay at the end of your walk (note: walking back by road will take 1-2 hours).

To reach Whangaumu Bay by road take Tutukaka Block Road on the right as you decend the hill towards Tutukaka Marina. Follow the road to its end and you will arrive at Whangaumu Bay.

Tutukaka Estates Short Walk & Lookout

Walking Time: 5 minutes oneway to the lookout with an optional additional 6 minute circular bush walk at the top.

Access: Includes a steep walk up a concrete path and a well maintained bush track. The path will get your heart pumping but the views are worth the climb.

Carparking: Parking outside the security gate at the end of Lawson Drive or next to the beach at Whangaumu Bay a little further down the hill.

Directions: Drive towards Whangaumu Bay (turn right along Tutukaka Block Road off Matapouri Road as you decend the hill towards Tutukaka Marina) and take Lawson Drive on your left just before you reach the bottom of the hill.

Pass through the security gate at the end of Lawson Drive and follow the concrete path up the hill. There is seating at the top so take your time to enjoy the view. Views include Ngunguru Sandspit, Hen & Chickens Islands, Little Barrier Island and the Coromandel Peninsula. If you have a few extra minutes follow the bush walk at the southern side of the hill (the path is marked) before returning back to your car.

Rauhomaumau Bay to William Parata Walkway

Walking Time: 30 minutes oneway.

Access: Steep grassy track and pebby beach walking. Good shoes and a good level of fitness are recommended.

Carparking: Road parking on Rauhomaumau Rd (follow Tutukaka Block Road (off Matapouri Road as you decend the hill towards Tutukaka Marina) then Motel Road on the left - Rauhomaumau Rd veers right a short way along).

Directions: Descend the steep grass track at the end of Rauhomaumau Road to access the beach (this can be slippery).  At the beach turn right and follow the beach until the accessway to Dolphin Place. Climb up this grassy steep path and follow Dolphin Place for 50m until you reach the William Parata Walkway on your left. There is a steep climb to the Trig Station with superb views from the top. Views include the Poor Knights Islands, Tutukaka Harbour, Ngunguru, Ngunguru Sandspit and Tutukaka Heads.

For a shorter walk you can access the William Parata Walkway to the Trig Station directly from Dophin Place (accessible off Tutukaka Block Rd.

Tutukaka Head Lighthouse Walkway

This walkway can be used at any time however to cross the causeway and reach the lighthouse beacon go within 1 hour either side of low tide.

Walking Time: 1 hour return trip.

Access: A combination of grassy tracks, steep tracks and a rocky causeway. Good shoes and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended. Note: to cross the causeway to Kukutauwhao Island go within 1 hour either side of low tide.

Carparking: Free access carpark via a right of way off Matapouri Rd, 400m after the turnoff to Tutukaka Marina (heading northwards).  Note; Please do not leave your valuables in the car or lugguage on display when leaving the vehicle.

Directions: Follow the grassy track across the reserve along the headland. Seating is provided along the way. View of the Poor Knights Islands are possible along the track. Descend to the beach down a steep pathway. You can reach this point regardless of the tide level. There are several beaches which run northwards around the coast from the bottom of the track.

If you are within 1 hour either side of low tide cross the rocky/pebbly causeway to Kukutauwhao Island. Follow the  marked track up the side of the island to the lighthouse and panoramic views of the Tutukaka Coast and beyond.