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From lush native forest, to calming rivers, Whangarei is brimming with nature walks and hikes. The best part? All you need is your own two feet! If you’re looking for the best way to spend your time walking through our lovely little city don’t look any further. Our local experts have done the hard yards assembling the 10 best Whangarei Walks (with some help from the community). Ranging from comfortable ambles through our native bush, to epic full-day treks following the coast, Whangarei has something for everyone. If you’re keen to learn about the highlights and hidden wonders read on, we’ll cover them in this list!
1. Whangārei Falls / Otuihau (30 minute loop)
One of our most loved and popular landmarks, the beautiful and iconic Whangārei Falls is at the top of our Whangarei Walks list! Looping around the falls, the track here is well maintained and should be accessible to the whole family. Take in the native New Zealand bush surrounded by tōtara, mānuka, tī kōuka, ponga, and nīkau palms. Make sure you look out for native wood pigeons, tūī and riroriro overhead and in the trees.
The waterfall itself is 26.3m high. Find your way to the viewing platforms for an awesome bird’s-eye view of the falls and the forest below. There are garden spaces both at the top and base of the waterfall, perfect for picnicking with the family.
History:
The Māori name for the falls, Otuihau, is connected to the raising of spirits. Traditionally, rivers serve as the final path for spirits journeying north to Cape Reinga, hence the name. The pool at the bottom of Whangārei falls was used by tangata whenua for spiritual and physical healing. To this day it continues to be a great place to connect with nature and loved ones.
Local tip:
Whangārei Falls can be seasonal, so the falls may run with little to no water when there are long periods of no rain. Check with our staff if you’re thinking about going.
The falls are a 10-minute drive from the heart of Whangārei and well signed. The signs should lead you to a carpark at boundary road, where you’ll find maintained bathrooms, gardens and picnic tables.
Directions:
Find out what people are saying about the falls on Tripadvisor
2. A.H. Reed Memorial Kauri Park (25 minute loop)
Find yourself surrounded by giants! Northland is home to Kauri trees and this short 25 minute walk is an opportunity to see them in their natural habitat. Follow the tree top boardwalk through the remnants of what once was an extensive kauri forest.
Make sure you look up to take in the scale, the ancient trees in this area reach up to 3 meters wide and are over 500 years old. So if you’d like to know how New Zealand looked back in Galileo’s time, this is an awesome spot.
History:
The track is named after prolific New Zealand writer A.H. Reed who was local to the Parahaki region. It was declared a reserve in 1889.
Local tip:
This track links to the Hātea river walk and Whangārei falls track which is perfect if you would prefer a longer 2h30m one-way trek.
Directions:
Find out what people are saying about the walk on Tripadvisor
3. Mt Parihaka (50 mins, one-way)
Overlooking the city and sea, Mt Parihaka is an important part of the Whangārei skyline and history, so why not climb it? There are 3 different walks here which circle the mountain through native bush. To enjoy this Whangarei walk you must have a decent level of fitness as there are steep sections and many stairs. However, once you reach the 241 meter high summit, it will have been worth it! Take in panoramic views of the city and check out the World War II war memorial (which glows red at night!). The reserve is so great that it has won a green flag award too!
History:
Mt Parihaka historically served as one of the largest pā in New Zealand, hosting 100+ terraces and 300+ kumara pits. On your way up look for an offshoot that leads you to what used to be a pā.
Local tip:
This mountain is also home to a network of mountain bike trails maintained by the local mountain bike club. If you or your family prefer 2-wheels more than 2-feet, this spot could be perfect!
Alternatively you can drive directly to the summit.
Directions:
Find out what people are saying about the walk on Tripadvisor.
4. Abbey Caves Track (2 hour loop)
Did you know Whangārei has its own set of underground caves? Visit Abbey Caves Reserve, only a short drive from the heart of the city, to explore the undeveloped and unmanned area. Wander through farmland to see the stunning limestone formations and sinkholes on this 40 minute walk. Rated a Grade 3, this track is appropriate for individuals with decent levels of fitness. As you walk, look out for the puriri trees amongst the native bush and podocarp-hardwood forest.
The reserve is home to three distinct caves, Organ, Middle and Ivy.
While the caves are awesome to explore, we recommend being extremely careful as they can be challenging to navigate over the slippery rocks and through small holes. At the very least come prepared with headlamps and appropriate footwear. Make sure you notify someone of when you aim to return and pay attention to the weather as the caves may fill up relatively quickly when raining.
Watch out for eels in the stream below, (your feet are bound to get wet). Those brave enough will be rewarded by views of epic rock formations and stalactites, remember to turn off your headlamps at points to see glow worms overhead.
Local tip:
Bring a spare change of clothes and shoes if you plan on exploring the caves.
Directions:
Find out what people are saying about this Whangarei walk on Tripadvisor.
5. Hātea River Walks (2 hours 30 minutes, one-way)
Highlights/Rough description
The quintessential Whangarei walk. Take a stroll right through Whangārei, crossing the city to cover off the highlights, winding up the river through Mair park, to reach Whangārei Falls. This 6 km walk beginning at either the town basin or at the falls, is the perfect way to access the bush from the city. The metalled and well established tracks make this walk accessible to walkers of all ages.
History:
In 1914 Robert Mair, an indigenous plant enthusiast, bestowed Mair Park to the people of the city.
Local tip:
Take a break along your journey at one of the many wonderful picnic spots!
Directions:
Find out what people are saying on TripAdvisor!
6. Hātea Loop (1 Hour Loop)
Explore Whangārei town through this relaxing city sidewalk. This easy walk is accessible to all, and covers all the key locations within the CBD. Take your time ambling through and taking in the sights including: the Town Basin, Te Matau a Pohe, William Fraser Memorial Park, Kotuitui Whitinga, Canopy Bridge, Clapham’s Clocks, Town Basin playground, Reyburn House gallery, a sculpture and heritage Trail, Riverbank Theatre, Waka and Wave Millennium sculpture, and Riverside Park. In the daytime visit one of the many cafes, shops, and restaurants.
Look out for the Waka and Wave stone culture at Hihiaua Point of a Maori waka breaching a giant wave at the beginning of the Town Basin.
Local Tip
Along the trail there are several activities of interest including a family skatepark, BMX route, playgrounds, camera obscura, dog agility park, and parks/picnic areas.
Directions:
Find out what people are saying on TripAdvisor!
7. Mt Manaia (2 hours, return)
A 28 km (or 30 minute drive) to the east of Whangarei starts the sensational Mt Manaia walk! Travel upwards through nīkau palms and kauri stands as you steadily ascend 420 m above sea level to the breathtaking view of Whangārei Harbour (Te Whara/Bream Head, Taranga and the Marotere Islands (Hen and Chicken Islands)). A basic level of fitness is required as the climb is consistently steep. However, the steeper it gets, the greater the views!
History:
Mt Manaia is a traditional ancestor of the chief of Ngātiwai, and several other subtribes across the Northland region. His family was turned to stone as a result of a dispute with his wife and this is represented in the craggy peaks.
Local tip:
Take extra care when it is wet and windy, especially at the lookout as there are sharp drop offs and no safety barriers.
Directions:
Find out what people are saying on TripAdvisor!
8. Bream Head - Te Whara Track (6 hours, one-way)
Visit the very end of Whangārei. This mammoth day trek is an epic journey amongst native bush and protected kiwi habitat, terminating at the end of the Whangārei Heads. Beginning sharply with a steep section, this hike mellows out as you progress through Northland coastal forest. Upon reaching the summit enjoy the view between Cape Brett to the north and Cape Rodney to the south. If visibility is good you may see regional islands on the horizon.
History:
Near the summit lies the remnants of a radar station used during WWII.
Local tip:
If you’d like to make this a two day trip, follow the Peach Cove track to spend the night at the Peach Cove hut.
Directions:
Find out what people are saying on TripAdvisor!
9. Mt Aubrey and the Reotahi Coastal Walkway (2 hours, return)
If you’re looking for a shorter walk out by the Whangarei Heads, which is through bush, up mountain, and overlooking the coastline, then this walk is perfect! Mt Aubrey is a remnant from an ancient volcanic chain. Its ridges and peaks allow for stunning views of the Whangarei Harbour. The track is sheltered by bush, and offers many vistas to pause for the breathtaking views.
Local tip:
As you walk up, look out for the ruins of the old Whangārei freezing works.
Directions:
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10. Piroa Falls Track (10 minutes, one-way)
Last but not least on our epic list of Whangarei walks. Featuring another awesome but less popular local waterfall, this short track is perfect for a quick getaway into nature if you’re heading south, or on the way up to Whangārei. In the summertime the basepools make for a refreshing swimming spot with rocks to dive off (if that’s your thing!)
Local tip:
There is a picnic table available facing the waterfall. However, they are made of concrete, so if you’re visiting with little ones it may be wise to bring a blanket!
Directions:
Find out what people are saying on TripAdvisor
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