Read about the
annual Doubtless Bay Walking Weekend
and the inaugural Fun Run / Walk.
Gum Hole Reserve Walk, Karikari Peninsula:
From SH10, follow Inland Road for 2km. to a small roadside
parking area. This short (2 minute return) walk is metalled and
even. It loops through manuka scrub growing close to the track.
The walk passes a series of holes excavated by gum diggers.
Mangonui Heritage Trail
See the map and description of the route or call in at the Doubtless
Bay Information Centre for a leaflet. Beginning and ending at the
historic Mangonui Courthouse, the Heritage Trail provides a glimpse
of the great wealth of Maori and European history associated with
this area. The trail is three kilometres long and accessible on
foot or partly by vehicle. The average time it takes to walk the
Trail is one and a half hours. Walkers are advised to take the St.
Andrew's Walkway to access sites high up above the waterfront and
enjoy the spectacular views from near St. Andrew's Church.
Matai Bay to Whangatupere Bay, Karikari Peninsula:
The walk takes you from the D.O.C. camp ground at Matai Bay along
Merita Beach (the southern of the two coves), around both points
to Poroa Stream (one hour return). From there you can make the more
difficult walk following the stream for 30 minutes. At the signpost,
turn left up the steep, slippery hill to Paraawanui Trig (20 minutes
return). The best views are from a little past the summit (142m.).
Retrace your steps to the signposts. After 15 minutes along a vehicle
track, you come to a crossroads. Turn left at the signposts from
where it is 10 minutes to Whagatupere Bay. This is a rocky bay with
azure waters and steep forested cliffs tumbling to the water. The
entire walk is a three hour return trip. You should contact D.O.C.
before commencing the walk (ph: 09 408 6014).
Puheke Recreation Reserve Walk, Karikari Peninsula:
From SH10, follow Inland Road for 10.5kms. and then turn left into
Rangiputa Road. After 2kms., turn right into Puheke Road. Continue
to the parking area at the beach along the unsealed road. You can
climb the hill for a superb view of the white sandy beaches of Karikari
Bay - Puheke Bay to the east and Karikari Beach to the west - and
off to Doubtless Bay and the Aupouri Peninsula. From the parking
area it is about a 40 minute return climb. However, in a 4x4 vehicle
you can access a higher car park for a shorter walk.
 Rangikapiti
Pa, Mangonui:
A visit to Rangikapiti Pa (accessible by car or on foot from Rangikapiti
Road) will reward you with panoramic views over Mangonui Harbour
and the whole of Doubtless Bay.
(Contact Friends of Rangikapiti by phone: 09 524 0291
or PO Box 92 Mangonui)
Taumararumaru D.O.C. Reserve, Coopers Beach:
The reserve land includes three defended pa sites and related
archaeological features. The walking track around the reserve provides
access to those sites and offers stunning views. The track is accessed
from the car park on SH10.
Further afield:
Whangaroa Harbour
Wairakau Stream Track:
This 5.6km. track is a two hour walk in each direction. The
track starts 400m. up Campbell Road in Totara North and leads to
Pekapeka Bay. It first climbs over a saddle on an old farm road
then down through regenerating forest to Wairakau Stream. Cross
the stream twice and head off to the right across the large grassy
clearing. The track then narrows and follows the western arm of
the harbour to Lane Cove.
 (A
guided walk with boat pick up from Lane Cove is available from:
Bushmansfriend • RD2 Kaeo • ph: 09 405 1844)
Duke's Nose:
The walk can be extended by one km. (45 min. each way). This route
departs from behind Lane Cove Cottage. This is a very steep climb
up rocky outcrops which provide spectacular views over Whangaroa
Harbour.
St Paul's Rock:
This 500m. track is a 30 min. walk in each direction. Starting from
the car park at the top of Old Hospital Road, the track traverses
St Paul's Rock above Whangaroa township and provides spectacular
views of the harbour.
Puketi and Omahuta Forest
Manginangina Kauri Walk:
This easy 15 min. loop walk (wheelchair accessible) can be
reached from State Highway 10 - signposted just south of Kaeo on
Waiare Road and returning at Waipapa. Interpretive panels assist
with the understanding and enjoyment of a mature stand of kauri,
swamp forest and associated vegetation.
Puketi Nature Trail:
This 1.6km. trail is a one hour return walk. An easy wander around
a loop track beginning at the Puketi Recreation Area south of Manginangina.
Many of the plants are named.
Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary Walk:
The Omahuta Sanctuary is accessible from SH10 by a long loose-metal
road, either via Otangaroa or Fern Flat reaching SH1 at Mangamuka
and then leaving SH1 at Mangamuka Bridge on to Omahuta Road. This
550m. loop track (departing from the car park) is a 30 min. walk
and visits the giant kauri in this six hectare sanctuary protected
from logging in 1951.
Kauri Stump Walk:
This three min. easy path from the road leads to a stump and
head of one of the largest kauri ever felled in the forest. |
