Hiking Trails in Whangarei
THE 5 BEST Whangarei Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails in Whangarei
Category types
7 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
What travellers are saying
- Jill K36 contributionsThe Whangarei Heads is such a fabulous area. Ocean Beach is huge and popular. There is good parking and bathrooms. Follow the trail for hiking. Then we drove over to Urquhart Bay where there is a smaller parking area. The walk over to Smugglers Bay was nice, even though a herd of big cows were very close to us! There were several other walks. The views are wonderful along the way.Written 6 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- L_DTravellersWhangarei, New Zealand212 contributionsNo need to go to the South Island for Pancake rocks, we have them here in Northland. Great track - mind the tides for the stream crossing and it's best to go when it is dry and there hasn't been a lot of rain in the past few days because there can be some very muddy parts. The trail is pretty well marked, and it's not flat but not hilly either. As long as you are reasonably fit, you'll be fine. You can do the loop, but it comes back along the road so we always walk along the water and just come back the same way because the views are so nice. One time we did see seals in the water, which was a great treat. One of the best kept secrets in Northland :)Written 13 November 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lyndell38 contributionsThis is a great flat 5km loop trail with a nice variety of interest features to view, seats to sit on for those wanting to take a slower pace and exercise equipment for the more active.Written 29 January 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Shelley_Scarlett15 contributionsI would endorse the rating of this trail given by DoC as an 'intermediate' grade. As a relatively novice hiker I did find it quite challenging. The 1194 steps from the Urquhart Beach end to the top of Mt Lion made for an intense start to the hike and getting to the top felt very rewarding!
At this time of year the trail was muddy and it took some time navigating around the swampy sections. I would definitely recommend decent waterproof hiking shoes.
I stayed overnight at the Peach Cove Hut which was a great way to break up the hike and spend some time enjoying the solitude and peace of the bush. No kiwi sightings sadly, but did hear many kaka flying overhead. As others have mentioned, the stairs down to Peach Cove are relentless (800ish) so walking poles are useful for those with gammy knees.
I think starting at Urquhart and finishing at Oceans Beach would be my recommended direction. The views down towards Ocean Bay are gorgeous and it would be a shame to have your back to them ascending the trail.
It would be great if there were a few more points on the track that were strategically pruned by DoC as you can tell there are a epic views but these are frequently obscured by trees and bush. At the peaks (Mt Lion and Bream Bay Head) the views are a little disappointing unless you are prepared to go off trail (with sharp cliff drops of hundreds of metres below!).
Overall it was a great hike and felt like an awesome accomplishment at the end when you could see and appreciate the full length of the ridgeline. Recommend a few sessions on the stair machine at the gym beforehand though 😉Written 17 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - AliNew Zealand659 contributionsGreat walk, a hidden gem! There is quite a steep climb and you need a reasonable level of fitness. It can be quite slippery after the rain. Please do not forget to clean your shoes after the walk with a spray and a brush provided at the bottom of the track. Veering ankle supporting hiking boots is a must.Written 1 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Anglokiwi1London, UK183 contributionsAn easy 30 min return walk to a cascading 15 metres waterfall. Walk through Raumanga Valley Reserve to the lovely Raumanga Waterfalls. A few minutes drive from Whangarei i-site. Not as big as other falls in the area but worth the short walk.Written 7 February 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- suzanneHamilton, NZ7 contributionsA great alternative to a long drive around to Whangarei Heads is to cross by boat from Marsden Point to Reotahi. We walked around to Urquhart Bay then hiked over to Smugglers Bay & stayed the night at Peach Cove, the next day taking the Te Whara track out to Ocean Beach where we were picked up by the Trail Drop shuttle to get back to Reotahi. What a great service - seamless, informed, on time!Written 29 January 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
