Mangonui, Coopers Beach, Cable Bay and Taipa
See the map and description of the route or call in at the Doubtless Bay Information Centre for a Heritage Trail brochure. Beginning and ending at the historic Mangonui Courthouse, the Heritage Trail provides a glimpse of the great wealth of Māori 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. You can take a "virtual" tour of the Heritage Trail by following the QR code trail here.
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. It is a 5 minute walk from the car park to the top of the Pa but there is no disabled access.
Coopers Beach
It can take 40 minutes return, to walk the full length of this beautiful beach which is fully accessible except for high tide. There is beach access at the eastern end at the bottom of Kotare Drive, half-way along just east of Coopers Beach Shopping Centre and from Taumararuumaru Reserve, by foot only, at the western end.
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 D.O.C. car park on State Highway 10, almost opposite the bowling club. The walk around the full reserve takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
Cable Bay to Taipa
It is possible to walk around the rocks at low tide. It is approximately 1 hour walk and extreme care must be taken to watch the tides and cross the river with care
Karikari Peninsula
Gum Hole Reserve Walk
From State Highway 10, 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 and has information boards along the way. The walk passes a series of holes excavated by gum diggers.
'Coca Cola' Lake
There is an easy walk along the shoreline of the lake which can be found at the end of Ramp Road, near to the settlement. Ramp Road leaves Inland Road approx. 3.5km from State Highway 10. It is then approximately 1.6km to the settlement.
Puheke Recreation Reserve Walk
From State Highway 10, follow Inland Road for 10.5km and then turn left into Rangiputa Road. After 2km, 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.
Matai Bay to Whangatupere Bay
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 the D.O.C. office in Kaitaia (Phone: 09 408 6014) before commencing the walk.
Further afield
Lake Ngatu at Waipapakauri
The lake is found by following State Highway 1 north from Awanui for 3km and then turning left onto Waipapakauri Road. Then left again onto Sweetwater Road to the D.O.C sign for Lake Ngatu. This flat 4km walk around the lake takes about one hour and the lake is located just before the Waipapakauri ramp onto Ninety Mile Beach.
Whangaroa Harbour
Wairakau Stream Track (Lane Cove walk)
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 (Lane
Cove) in the western arm.. 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 where there is a D.O.C. hut (available to lease). A boat pickup from
Lane Cove can be pre-arranged with Whangaroa water taxi by phoning cell:
027 680558.
Duke's Nose
The Lane Cove walk can be extended by one km (45 min. each way) by climbing
the Duke's Nose. This route departs from behind Lane Cove Cottage. This
is a very steep climb up rocky outcrops, with chain assistance at the
summit, which provide spectacular views over Whangaroa Harbour.
St Paul's Rock, Whangaroa
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.