Best Whangarei Day Walks
Rather than doing the Hatea Loop endlessly,
why not enjoy our bush, waterfalls and magnificent coast?
MICHAEL BOTUR
1.Coronation Scenic Reserve (overlooking Whangarei’s Quarry Gardens)
Duration: 30 minutes to the top of the hill. Entry off Western Hills Drive.
Cool wildlife to be seen: Er... trees?
Directions: Follow this link.
2.Frank Holman Memorial Track (behind Quarry Arts Centre)
Duration: 60-90 minutes.
Cool wildlife to be seen: I saw an astonishing golden pheasant in the bushes one time. I’m not lying. / WARNING: Although just a few metres behind The Avenues and the Quarry Arts Centre, this is a remote track, seldom used and poorly maintained.
3.Mt Aubrey, McLeod Bay
Duration: just 20 minutes to the top. Seriously. That’s where all those people take all those amazing scenic photos. Cool wildlife to be seen: Go snorkelling. The marine reserve begins 500 metres away. Try find a seahorse. You won’t find one, but try anyway. Further info.
4.Peach Cove.
Duration: One hour one way
Cool wildlife to be seen: tui and kereru. Further info. BE WARNED: WHEN RETURNING FROM PEACH COVE, YOU MUST CLIMB 800 STEPS!
5.Taheke Waterfall, Glenbervie.
Duration: 2 hours
Cool wildlife to be seen: A taniwha, maybe? I don’t know. My kids started crying so I didn’t complete this. Further info
6.Pukenui Forest Loop.
Duration: Minimum 2 hours - I’ve seen crazy people jog this in 2 hours, but did I mention they are crazy? Even though this is a few minutes west of Kamo, you are going into remote, hilly bush – so take precautions.
Cool wildlife to be seen: luscious fungi. Further info
7.Tane Moana: This guy is the biggest kauri tree on the east coast of Northland. Accessible from Matapouri.
Duration: 3 hours return
Cool wildlife to be seen: a massive nurseryweb spider.
NOTE: It’s a hilly, remote track. A lot of commenters online complain they can’t find the damn tree, which is more easily accessed from Waitoi Road rather than Clements Road. Further info
8.Taraire Ridge Loop, Pukenui Forest, west of Kamo
Duration: BLOODY LONG – 3-4 hours
Cool wildlife to be seen: Friendly morepork, but only at dusk. Further info
9.Waipu Coastal Walkway: Langs Beach to Ding Bay. Featuring amazing pancake rocks!
Duration: 3 hours return.
Cool wildlife: a weasel, skinks and a bird sanctuary at Waipu Cove. Further info
10.Mangawhai Clifftop Walkway Believe the hype: this clifftop walkway is stunning. If adventurous, you can walk the beach and get wet up to your knees. It’s essential to watch out for the tide coming in, though.
Wildlife: Dolphins, penguins and puffer fish. And a weasel, oncemore. Possibly the same weasel I mentioned earlier has been following me. Duration: 90 minutes one way. Further info via this link.
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