Walking
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. Unfortunately, access at the present time for
all but the most able-bodied is restricted as the steps have been removed
by DOC. There is no disabled access.
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.
