20 BEST Walks in Whangarei & Whangarei Heads

Last Updated: 20 July, 2026

The Top Walking Trails in Whangarei

Tie up your hiking boots because there’s a lot to discover in Whangarei on just two feet!

From easy-going riverside strolls in the city to full-day hikes along the coast of the Whangarei Heads, Whangarei is packed with walks for those who love the great outdoors.

We go through some of the best Whangarei walks on this list.

1. Otuihau Whangārei Falls (30 Mins Loop)

One of the most iconic natural attractions in the whole Northland region, Whangārei Falls is a must-see! The Hātea River drops 26.3 m (86 ft) over basalt cliffs, with accessible viewing platforms near the car park providing an almost immediate view of the falls.

The 1 km (0.6 mi) circular track takes around 20 to 30 minutes. It descends through native bush to a footbridge and picnic area below the waterfall before climbing back to the upper viewpoints. Expect steps, slopes and surfaces that can become slippery after rain.

Location: Ngunguru Road.

2. Hātea Loop (1-Hour Loop)

For a pleasant walk starting right in Whangarei city centre, take the Huarahi o te Whai Hātea Loop. This sealed 4.2 km (2.6 mi) shared path is suitable for walkers, cyclists, pushchairs, wheelchairs and mobility scooters, taking approximately one hour on foot.

Starting from the Town Basin, packed with shops, cafés and art galleries, the route follows the lower Hātea River waterfront, passing the marina, playgrounds and public sculptures.

You’ll also find heritage panels and the free Timatatanga Hou Camera Obscura along the way.

The loop crosses two distinctive bridges: Kotuitui Whitinga and Te Matau ā Pohe, the lifting bridge connecting the waterfront with Pohe Island.

Location: Start at the Town Basin.

3. Hātea River Walkway (50 Mins to 2 Hrs 30 Mins One Way)

Follow the Hātea River Walkway through the highlights of Whangarei, including the Town Basin, Mair Park and Whangārei Falls.

This riverside route weaves through native bush and picnic areas, though the complete Town Basin to falls walk is currently interrupted due to park closures and a failed swing bridge inspection.

Your best bet is to tackle the open sections in shorter chunks; the Mair Park to Whareora Road stretch covers 2.6 km (1.6 mi) and takes around 50 minutes one way.

Location: Start from either Whangarei Falls, Ngunguru Road or the Town Basin.

4. Parihaka Reserve (40-50 Minutes One Way)

A couple of walks wind their way up to the summit of Mt Parihaka. Mt Parihaka is the mountain prominently seen in the Whangārei skyline, offering views of the city and harbour from its 241 m (791 ft) peak.

The summit area also holds historical significance, preserving the remains of three former pā sites with over 100 terraces, 300 kūmara storage pits and defensive features.

Take the 1.9 km (1.2 mi) Hokianga/Dobbie Track (50 minutes one-way) from Mair Park, or choose the 1.45 km (0.9 mi) Ross Track (40 minutes) from Dundas Road. There’s also the Drummond Track at 1.4 km (0.9 mi, 40 minutes).

All three are Grade 3 tracks climbing through native forest, with steep sections, metal surfaces and plenty of steps.

Location: The Hokianga/Dobbie Track to the summit starts from Mair Park. The Ross Track starts from Dundas Road.

5. Abbey Caves Track (2 Hours Loop)

The Abbey Caves reserve track takes around 1 hour to walk the 1.2 km (0.7 mi) loop, but you’ll likely want to spend more time exploring the unusual limestone outcrops and naturally sculpted rock formations.

The Abbey Caves Reserve track crosses farmland dotted with established pūriri trees and native bush before reaching limestone boulders and caves.

Access begins with a steep wooden stile and box steps before the track levels out onto uneven grass. The route can get muddy and slippery after rain, and you may encounter seasonal livestock, so wear sturdy footwear and keep dogs on a lead.

Note that Organ Cave, Middle Cave and Ivy Cave are currently closed under a rāhui placed by Ngāti Kahu o Torongare and Whangārei hapū.

Location: 71 Abbey Caves Road.

6. Bream Head – Te Whara Track (6 Hours One Way)

For a real hike in the Whangarei area, make sure you hit the Te Whara Track at the Bream Head Scenic Reserve.

This challenging 7.5 km (4.7 mi) one-way track follows an ancient Māori route, climbing steeply from Ocean Beach through coastal forest to the Bream Head summit before crossing the ridge towards Mt Lion and Urquharts Bay.

The track takes five to six hours to complete and rewards you with views extending towards Cape Brett, Cape Rodney and the offshore islands. Along the way, you’ll pass the remains of a World War Two radar station (a piece of history tucked into the landscape).

For a shorter option, the three-hour return Peach Cove Track links with the Te Whara Track and provides an overnight option at the Peach Cove Hut.

For more experiences nearby, check out the 15 Best Things to Do at Whangarei Heads.

Location: Whangarei Heads. The Te Whara Track goes between the Ocean Beach car park on Ranui Road and the Urquharts Bay car park. The Peach Cove Track can be found 4 km (2 mi) along Ocean Beach Road.

20 BEST Walks in Whangarei & Whangarei Heads

7. Mt Aubrey and the Reotahi Coastal Walkway (2 Hrs 30 Mins Loop)

More amazing walks at Whangarei Heads that incorporate both mountain climbs and coastal views are those at Reotahi. You can combine the steep Mt Aubrey Track with the gentler Reotahi Coastal Walkway for a loop that showcases mountain, harbour and coastal scenery all in one outing.

The 1.5 km (0.9 mi) Mt Aubrey section takes around one hour one way, climbing numerous steps to a grassy ridge with panoramic views across Whangārei Harbour, Pātaua and Whangārei Heads. The track descends near Little Munro Bay, where you can join the 2.8 km (1.7 mi) coastal walkway towards McLeod Bay.

This easier section passes pōhutukawa, the Whangārei Harbour Marine Reserve and the remains of the Reotahi freezing works, which operated from 1910 to 1921.

Location: Whangarei Heads. The Mt Aubrey Walk can be started from either Tiller Park on Reotahi Road or from the car park at the end of Bay View Road at Munroy Bay.

The Reotahi Walkway goes between the car park at the end of Bay View Road at Munroy Bay and the car park at the end of Beach Road.

8. Smugglers Bay Loop Track (1 Hr 30 Mins Loop)

Another stunning walk at Whangarei Heads, the Smugglers Bay Loop Track is a 3 km (1.9 mi) easy-to-intermediate loop around Busby Head. The circuit starts from the Urquharts Bay car park, passing through coastal forest with sweeping harbour views on the way.

The route takes you past a World War Two gun emplacement at Home Point before continuing towards Smugglers Bay. You can take a short detour out towards the end of Busby Head, or follow the direct track over farmland to reach the sheltered beach in around 15 minutes one way.

Keep an eye out for evidence of Māori occupation scattered throughout the landscape, including a former defensive pā, house terraces, food-storage pits and shell middens.

Location: Whangarei Heads. Start from the Urquharts Bay car park off Urquharts Bay Road at the end of the Whangarei Heads Road.

9. Waipu Caves Track (1 Hr 30 Mins Return)

Moving onto the Bream Bay side of Whangārei (just south of the city), Waipu Caves is an amazing natural attraction. Walk through striking limestone karst formations on this 2 km (1.2 mi) one-way track through open grassland and regenerating bush.

The route climbs to a ridgeline where you’ll get views across Whangārei Harbour towards Bream Head and the Hen and Chicken Islands before returning along the same route.

Note that this is a surface walk only; the deeper cave system is suitable for experienced cavers only.

Check out more adventures you could be having in Bream Bay in 10 Best Things to Do in Waipu & Bream Bay.

Location: Waipu Caves Road, approximately 13 km (8 mi) northwest of Waipu. The most straightforward route is via Shoemaker Road.

10. Piroa Falls Track (10-Minutes One Way)

Another picturesque waterfall to check out in the Whangarei area is down the Piroa Falls Track. The short 200 m (219-yard) return walk descends through native bush, takes you over several steps and crosses the Ahuroa River on a low concrete bridge before reaching the falls.

Piroa Falls tumbles through a narrow, forested gorge just a minute or two beyond the river crossing. While the walk itself takes around ten minutes, allow longer to soak up the view and carefully navigate the narrow access road.

It’s a worthwhile detour when exploring Waipū and the Brynderwyn Hills, and it makes for an awesome swimming spot in summer.

Add it to your waterfall bucket list along with the 20 Most Wonderful Waterfalls in New Zealand!

Location: Waipu Gorge Road, approximately 14 km (9 mi) south of Waipu. From State Highway 1, take Waipu Gorge Road until you see the Piroa Falls signposted.

11. Pukenui Forest Loop (3-4 Hours Loop)

Escape the city to the nearby Pukenui Forest, one of Whangārei’s largest remaining native forests. The family-friendly 8.2 km (5.1 mi) Pukenui Forest Loop follows the Mangere Stream through mature kauri and tōtara, using part of an old logging road through forest and farmland.

Thanks to restoration work by local iwi and conservation groups, the habitat now supports native wildlife, including North Island brown kiwi.

Alternatively, the Taraire Ridge Track is a more technical trail that crosses a ridge through stunning native forest. Allow 4-5 hours for this loop track.

Location: End of Amalin Drive, Three Mile Bush. Both trails start by crossing a boundary fence and a stream before reaching the official trailheads.

12. Otaika Valley Walk (2-3 Hours One Way)

Easily accessible from the Whangarei suburbs, the Otaika Valley Walk is a 2-3-hour walk through farmland, native forest and rural ridgelines. The track follows a 4.8 km (3 mi) route through Tiakiriri Kūkupa Scenic Reserve, starting with a steep climb from the stream on Otaika Valley Road up to a 264 m (866 ft) ridgeline.

From the ridge, you’ll take in wide views across Otaika Valley, Maungatapere and northwest Northland before descending through regenerating kauri, tānekaha and tōtara forest.

You can either turn around at the reserve boundary or continue across signposted private farmland to Raumanga Heights Drive.

Location: Otaika Valley Road (SH15), Otaika.

13. Onerahi and Waimahanga Walkway (45 Mins One Way)

Linked with the Hatea Loop Walkway in Whangarei city, the Onerahi & Waimahanga Walkway follows a former railway corridor and harbour shoreline.

This mostly flat, shared path runs from Pohe Island towards Old Onerahi Road, covering around 6 km (4 mi) when you link it with Boswell’s Track.

You’ll pass saltwater wetlands, mangroves and sheltered sections of Whangārei Harbour (with decent opportunities for spotting coastal birds without leaving the suburbs).

Most of the route is surfaced or compacted gravel and is shared with cyclists, runners and dog walkers.

Location: While there are several access points to the walk, the most popular is at the end of Waimahanga Road, Onerahi.

14. AH Reed Kauri Park (25 Mins Loop) [Temporarily Closed]

[Update: The AH Reed Kauri Park is temporarily closed. Updates can be found on the Whangarei District Council website.]

You can’t visit the Northland region of New Zealand without seeing a kauri forest! Kauri are the largest trees in New Zealand and can only be naturally found in the north of the North Island.

The AH Reed Kauri Park gets you up close to the forest giants on a treetop boardwalk that takes only 25 minutes to complete.

The AH Reed Kauri Park connects to the Hatea River Walk and Whangarei Falls making for a longer walk (2 hrs 30 mins one-way).

Location: Whareora Road, Tikipunga.

15. Mt Manaia (2 Hours Return) [Temporarily Closed]

[Update: The Mt Manaia Track is temporarily closed. Updates can be found on the Department of Conservation website.]

If you have your own transport, make a special journey to the Whangarei Heads, just a 20-30-minute drive from the city.

While there are many things to do at Whangarei Heads, don’t miss the Mt Manaia walk for some sensational views!

The 3.5k m (2 mi) track steeply climbs through native forest to the summit with breathtaking 360 views of the Whangarei Harbour.

Location: Whangarei Heads Road.

5 More Walks in Whangarei

And if the above walks were not enough, here are five more honourable mentions to add to the list!

Coronation Reserve – The Selwyn Avenue Link (30 mins one way) and Quarry Gardens Link (1 hour one way) explore the reserve behind the Whangarei Quarry Gardens – Russell Road, Whangarei.
Motukiore Island Walk (2 hrs 30 mins one way) – Explore the coast of Parua Bay and cross the sandspit at low tide to reach Motukiore Island with its historical pa site and kiwi habitat – Whangarei Heads Road, Parua Bay
Matapōuri / Whale Bay – Admire white-sand beaches, forest and tremendous coastal views from the Matapouri Headland Track (40 mins one way), Whale Bay Track (20 mins one way), Morrison Reserve Track (20 mins) or the Ridge Track (15 mins one way) – 1070 Matapouri Road, Matapōuri.
Tamaterau Coastal Walkway (15 mins one way) – Follow the rocky pohutukawa-lined harbour of Tamaterau at Whangarei Heads – 644 Whangarei Heads Road, Tamaterau.
Waipū Coastal Walkway – A pleasant coastal trail takes you to a small rock beach, limestone pancake rocks and native bush. Waipu Cove to Waterman Drive takes 1 hr 30 mins and Waterman Drive to Langs Beach takes a further 45 mins – 903 Cove Road Waipū, Waipu Cove.

More About Whangarei

While the above walks are a great way to see the city and surrounding coastal communities and reserves, make sure you don’t miss the 20 Best Things to Do in Whangarei. Plus, stay in one of the 10 Best Hotels in Whangarei. For more hiking experiences, check out the following:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Whangarei.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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