NORTHLAND Photo: Fraser Clements NORTHLAND Photo: Fraser Clements Experience some of our BEST SHORT WALKS Mount Manaia Track A steady climb through regenerating native bush to the summit rewards you with breathtaking views over Whangarei Harbour. 2 hr, 4 km return Steady climb Steps As you climb towards the summit of Mount Manaia, 420 m above sea level, the gradient gets steeper and the views get more impressive. The track winds beneath nīkau palms and kauri trees with glimpses of northern rātā hanging from pōhutukawa, among a cluster of jagged bush-covered peaks. The track is a mix of a wide gravel path and wooden steps. Mount Manaia is the ancestor and chief of Ngātiwai and the many hapū (subtribes) of Whangarei. The craggy peaks represent his family who were turned to stone through karakia (ritual chants) in a dispute over the infidelity of Manaia s wife. Keep to the marked track out of respect to local iwi and their ancestors. The lookouts on this track have no safety barriers stay well away from the drop-offs and supervise children. Mount Manaia car park is next to the Mount Manaia Club on Whangarei Heads Road, above McLeod Bay, 28 km (35 min) east of Whangarei. Park in the Mount Manaia Club s lower car park. Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway The rugged beauty of New Zealand s coast unfolds with panoramic views from the shoreline to the clifftops. 2 3 hr, 9 km return Moderate fitness required Moderately steep Many steps The track starts along the beach, then climbs quite steeply for about 20 minutes towards the clifftop and winds through ancient pōhutukawa teetering on the cliffs before descending to the stony beach below. From here, you can walk back along the beach, but only at low tide. Keep to the marked track as it crosses private property. The local iwi Te Uri O Hau arrived here on their ancestral waka (canoe), Mahuhu Ki Te Rangi, around AD 1250. In the 1800s, Chief Te Whai resided here at Manga where the rivers meet, where the name Manga-Te-Whai comes from. Check the tide times before you go; walk the return loop along the beach only at low tide. If water is surging through the huge rock archway, return via the cliff route. Stay as a group and keep children close. Mangawhai is located on the Twin Coast Discovery Highway, 20 min from Waipu or 30 min from Wellsford. Access to the track is from the Kaipara District Council car park, near the Mangawhai Surf Lifesaving Club at the end of Wintle Street.
Heading outdoors? COROMANDEL AUCKLAND Let us help you have a safe adventure make it home Plan your trip Make sure you know where you re going and have looked at a map of the track consider taking a photo of it. ensure you have enough time to complete in the daylight. A wrong turn can create an unexpected night out. tell someone your plans Message someone text, social, email - where you re going and when you ll be due back. Make yourself easier to be found if something goes wrong. Be aware of the weather New Zealand s weather can be highly changeable. Check the forecast Metservice.com - and expect changes throughout the day. Always prepare for wind and rain as it can, and often does, happen suddenly. Know your limits Challenge yourself within you and your family s limits. Consider the ability of the youngest member to deal with the changing weather and the physical nature of the walk. stick to the marked track. take sufficient supplies What supplies you need for each walk will vary, but you should always have a waterproof jacket, water, food, hat and sturdy walking shoes. Cell phone signal is often not available in the outdoors. Place items like phones and maps in a plastic bag to waterproof. Cathedral Cove Walk Stunning views of the Coromandel coast guide you on this walk to the dramatic cliffs and iconic rock archway of Cathedral Cove. 1 hr 30 min, 2.5 km return Moderate fitness required Undulating Steps This popular track hugs the coast, providing dramatic views of spectacular coastal scenery along its length, finishing at the beach beneath an impressive rock archway. There are hill slopes and steps down to the beach. Significant to local iwi Ngāti Hei, the area around Cathedral Cove was first visited in the 13th century by Hei, who is remembered in the names Hahei and Te Whanganui a Hei or Mercury Bay. Plan ahead and carry food and water, and ensure you have sturdy footwear. During summer months (Dec March) a park-and-ride is available with free parking. The main car park at the start of the walk is often full. Photo: Piotr Zurek Rangitoto Summit Track An easy climb through pōhutukawa forest and lava fields gives way to panoramic views from the summit of this volcanic island. 2 hr, 7 km return Moderate fitness required Gradual incline Rangitoto emerged from the sea approximately 600 years ago in a series of fiery volcanic explosions. You ll walk on well-formed paths through lava fields that support the largest pōhutukawa forest in the world, providing a home to dozens of shore, sea and forest birds. Native forest birds flocked back to the island after Rangitoto was declared pest free in 2011. Bring a torch to explore the lava caves, a short 30-minute return trip off the Summit Track. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and plan ahead: bring food and drinking water there is none on the island and sturdy footwear. Rangitoto is a pest-free island with strict biosecurity rules in place: go to doc.govt.nz/rangitoto. Photo: Fraser Clements Planning made simple head to our website and explore the resources you ll need. #MakeItHomeNZ Guides insights VideOs tools mountainsafety.org.nz The track begins at the end of Grange Road, 2 km from Hahei on the Coromandel Peninsula. Park at Grange Road car park. Whitianga (35 km, 30 min), Coromandel (54 km, 1 hr). Tour operators/shuttles to Auckland are also available. Your trip begins at the Rangitoto Wharf, a 25-minute ferry ride from Queens Wharf, Auckland. Alternatively, it s a 2-hr kayak to the wharf from Devonport or Takapuna Beach, Auckland.
New Zealanders are passionate about the environment we really care about our wild places. For tangata whenua, these places are sacred. Before your walk, plan ahead: Stay on the track you have less chance of losing your way or injuring yourself and this protects the wild environment. Take home everything you bring with you, including rubbish. Check where the toilets are placed on the track and use them. We don t defecate on tracks in New Zealand. On those tracks where you can take your dog, keep it under close control as some New Zealand wildlife, such as kiwi, are irresistible to dogs. Never feed wildlife it can harm them and their young. Track grades Easy access short walk: Easy walking for up to an hour. Well-formed track, with an even surface. Few or no steps or slopes. Suitable for people of all abilities and fitness, wheelchairs and strollers. Walking shoes required. Short walk: Easy walking for up to an hour. Well-formed track, with an even surface. There may be steps or slopes. Suitable for people of most abilities and fitness levels. Walking shoes required. Walking track: Easy-to-moderate walking from a few minutes to a day. Track is mostly well formed; some sections may be steep, rough or muddy. Suitable for people of low to moderate abilities and fitness. Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required. Visit www.mountainsafety.org.nz for more tips, advice and tools to help plan your trip. To find out more, visit your local Department of Conservation visitor centre or go to doc.govt.nz/shortwalks Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection. Leave gates as you find them. Be considerate to others using the track. Published by: Department of Conservation, Marketing Team PO Box 10420, Wellington 6143 New Zealand October 2017 Editing and design: Creative Services, DOC National Office R120780 Kauri dieback is a disease that kills kauri trees. To prevent the spread of kauri dieback, keep to the defined tracks, and clean your footwear, tyres and other equipment before and after visiting kauri forest areas. Stay away from kauri tree roots. Visit kauridieback.co.nz or call 0800 NZ KAURI (0800 695 2874). Check, Clean, Dry Stop the spread of didymo and other freshwater pests. Remember to Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways. For more information and cleaning guidelines, go to biosecurity.govt.nz/didymo or doc.govt.nz/stopthespread. This publication is produced using paper sourced from well-managed, renewable and legally logged forests. Cape Foulwind Walkway. Front cover: Rangitoto Summit Track. Photo: Fraser Clements Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway. Photo: Fraser Clements
Kaitaia Kerikeri Cape Reinga Kaikohe WHANGAREI Dargaville Kaitaia Great Barrier Island (Aotea Island) Mangawhai Heads Kerikeri Kaikohe Warkworth Orewa WHANGAREI Helensville Dargaville Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway AUCKLAND Mount Manaia Track Whitianga 2 hr, 4 km return Great Barrier Island (Aotea Island) Thames Whangamata Mangawhai Heads Pukekohe 2 3 hr, 9 km return Warkworth Paeroa Orewa Huntly Helensville Ngaruawahia Waihi Te Aroha Katikati Morrinsville TAURANGA Whitianga Raglan AUCKLAND HAMILTON Matamata Te Puke Cambridge Rangitoto Summit Track 2 hr, 7 km return Cathedral Cove Walk WHAKATANE 1 hr 30 min, 2.5 km return Te Awamutu Putaruru Thames Pukekohe Whangamata ROTORUA Otorohanga Tokoroa Paeroa Te Kuiti Waihi Te Aroha Huntly Murupara Katikati Morrinsville TAURANGA TAUPO HAMILTON Lake Te Puke Matamata Taupo Cambridge WHAKATANE Taumarunui Te Awamutu Opotiki Putaruru Turangi Frasertown ROTORUA Wairoa Tokoroa Ngaruawahia Raglan Waitara NEW PLYMOUTH InglewoodOtorohanga Stratford GISBORNE Take a break in the outdoors and get in touch with nature. Te Kuiti Raetihi Opunake Opotiki Ohakune Waiouru Hawera Lake Taihape Taupo Murupara NAPIER TAUPO Enjoy some of our best short walks that prove some of the best things come in small packages. They re easy to get to and great for families there s something for everyone. GISBORNE HASTINGS Taumarunui Waitara NEW PLYMOUTH WHANGANUI Turangi Waipukurau Inglewood Bulls Feilding Stratford Frasertown Wairoa Dannevirke Ohakune Woodville Waiouru PALMERSTON Foxton NORTH Pahiatua Shannon Levin Taihape Eketahuna Raetihi Opunake Hawera NAPIER HASTINGS Otaki WHANGANUI Masterton Waipukurau Bulls Featherston Dannevirke Feilding Lower Hutt Martinborough WELLINGTON Woodville PALMERSTON Foxton NORTH Pahiatua Shannon Levin Eketahuna Otaki Takaka Masterton Motueka Karamea NELSON Picton Featherston Lower Hutt Martinborough WELLINGTON Wakefield BLENHEIM 100 km Westport Murchison St Arnaud From the far north to the deep south, through lush native bush, ancient forests and along rugged coastlines, these walks may be short but the memories will be long-lasting.
NELSON/TASMAN WEST COAST WEST COAST Photo: Shellie Evans Wainui Falls Track A short walk through lush native bush leads to the cascading Wainui Falls, the largest falls in Golden Bay/Mohua. 1 hr 20 min, 3.4 km return Gentle One flight of steps Charming Creek Walkway Scenery and history combine in this walk along an historic bush tramway, with spectacular vistas of the Mangatini Falls. 2 hr 30 min 3 hr, 9.5 km one way Undulating Cape Foulwind Walkway A seal colony, a lighthouse and panoramic views of mountains and coastline feature on this spectacular coastal walkway. 1 hr 15 min, 3.4 km one way Most ages and fitness levels Flat Undulating Cross farmland for a short distance, then walk through a forest of nīkau palms, rātā trees and ferns. The track climbs alongside spectacular granite boulders, following the Wainui River. There s a great suspension bridge on the way below this you can see old logs piled up after massive floods. You ll know you re close when you can hear the sound of rushing water. Return to the car park on the same track. Keep a look out for a possible sighting of the giant carnivorous snail (Powelliphanta). Look but don t touch! Be prepared by planning ahead: carry food and water with you. Good sturdy footwear is recommended for this walk. Stay together as a group and keep children close as the track has some steep drop-offs. The track begins from a car park at Wainui Bay, about 20 km north-east of Takaka. Look for the direction sign about 300 m after crossing the Wainui River bridge. This walk mostly follows an historic bush tramway through the lower Ngakawau Gorge and the Charming Creek valley to the abandoned Charming Creek Coal Mine, passing historic sawmilling and mining remains. The gorge nestles among steep bluffs while below, water foams past immense boulders in the riverbed. The hardy daisy Ngakawau Gorge daisy (Celmisia morganii) flowers abundantly on steep rock faces from December to January, the only known habitat for this rare and protected species. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather on the wild West Coast. Arrange transport options for the return leg. Take your own drinking water (you should not drink from streams in the area as they have a high mineral count) and wear sturdy footwear. From the south, access to the walkway is signposted from SH67 at Ngakawau, 35 km north-east of Westport; from the north, access is through Seddonville, 50 km north-east of Westport on SH67, along a 10 km gravel road. Cape Foulwind short walk takes you from Tauranga Bay along a rocky headland to a viewpoint overlooking a New Zealand fur seal breeding colony. Panels along the track tell stories of Māori history, sea voyages and early explorers. From the seal colony, the track continues on to Cape Foulwind lighthouse. Return the same way or arrange transport from Cape Foulwind car park. Cape Foulwind was named by Captain James Cook in 1770 after his vessel was blown off course by the prevailing westerly winds. The seal breeding season from November to February is the busiest time of the year. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather on this coastal walk: carry a waterproof or windproof jacket, hat and gloves. The track is about 16 km south-west of Westport. Follow Cape Foulwind Road (SH67A) for 11 km to the former Holcim cement works. Turn left into Tauranga Bay Road to access the Tauranga Bay car park (southern end).
Kaikohe CANTERBURY WHANGAREI Dargaville Mangawhai Heads Wainui Falls Track Great Barrier Island (Aotea Island) Takaka 1 hr 20 min, 3.4 km return Motueka Warkworth Karamea Whitianga Thames Whangamata Paeroa Huntly Ngaruawahia Waihi Te Aroha Katikati Morrinsville TAURANGA HAMILTON Te Puke Matamata 1 hr, Cambridge Devils Punchbowl Walking Track Raglan Photo: Tony Fernandez AUCKLAND Pukekohe Te Awamutu Putaruru Otorohanga Tokoroa Te Kuiti BLENHEIM 2 hr 30 min 3 hr, 9.5 km one way Cape Foulwind Walkway Westport Devils Punchbowl Walking Track Blackball Greymouth Lake Matheson/Te Ara Kairaumati Walk Opotiki Ohakune Opunake Waiouru About the walk NAPIER Hawera From the start of the walk, Taihape follow a footbridge across the Bealey HASTINGS River. The next bridge, over Devils Punchbowl Creek, has a good WHANGANUI view of the waterfall. From here, wander through lush beech forest with friendly tomtits before climbing 150 m upwaipukurau a series of steps to a Bulls viewing platform at the base of this spectacular waterfall. Dannevirke Feilding Arthur s Pass 1 hr 30 min, 2.6 km return Oxford GISBORNE Fox Glacier/Te Ara o Tuawe Valley Walk Franz Josef/Waiau Rangiora Kaiapoi CHRISTCHURCH Methven 1 hr, 2.6 km return Akaroa Aoraki/Mount Cook Haast ASHBURTON Lake Tekapo Fairlie Blue Pools Track Geraldine Temuka Twizel Makaroa TIMARU 1 hr, 1.5 km return Kura Tāwhiti Access Track 20 min, 1.4 km return Wanaka Milford Sound Glenorchy Arrowtown Cromwell Kea love this place as much as people do, and there s also a good Otaki chance you ll hear or see the great spotted kiwi/roroa during a twilight evening walk. Masterton Waimate Kurow QUEENSTOWN Woodville PALMERSTON Foxton NORTH Pahiatua Shannon Levin Eketahuna Ranfurly OAMARU Clyde Alexandra Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View 40 min, 2.7 km return Palmerston Te Anau Waikouaiti Mossburn Lumsden Featherston Know before youlower go Hutt Martinborough WELLINGTON Be prepared for wet and cold conditions all year: carry a waterproof/windproof jacket, hat and gloves, and wear warm layered clothing and sturdy footwear. Check at the DOC visitor centre for weather and track conditions. The large number of steps on this walk may be challenging. The track starts at the northern end of Arthur s Pass village, just off SH73 at the Punchbowl car park (signposted off the highway). Kaikoura Hanmer Springs Kumara Hokitika moderate Stratford St Arnaud Reefton Punakaiki WHAKATANE Lake Taupo Murchison 1 hr 15 min, 3.4 km one way 2 km return Low to ROTORUA Picton Wakefield 1 hr, 2 km return Feel the full force and Murupara Gradual incline sound of fresh mountain TAUPO water falling 131 m down Steps Taumarunui Waitara Zealand s most Turangi one of New Frasertown W PLYMOUTH Wairoa Inglewood stunning waterfalls. Raetihi NELSON Charming Creek Walkway Orewa Helensville Dipton GORE Winton Mataura Riverton/ Aparima Stewart Island/ Rakiura 100 km Fairfield Milton Balclutha Kaka Point INVERCARGILL Oban DUNEDIN Lake Gunn Nature Walk 45 min, 1.4 km loop
CANTERBURY WEST COAST WEST COAST Photo: Shellie Evans Kura Tāwhiti Access Track Wander through majestic limestone rock formations in this area of special significance to Ngāi Tahu. 20 min, 1.4 km return Flat The area was once under a large, shallow inland sea that began to fill in about 30 million years ago. Pressure over time caused extensive uplift, folding and faulting of the Torlesse and Craigieburn ranges. The limestone rock has been eroded by water into these distinctive sculptured landforms. Kura Tāwhiti is the first reserve in New Zealand established specifically to protect a plant the Castle Hill buttercup. With just 67 plants in existence, the buttercup can only be found within the 6-ha reserve. Kura Tāwhiti is in an alpine region, so be prepared for rapidly changing weather. This world-renowned bouldering site has a rock-climbing code that respects the Tōpuni status (special protection) of these outcrops. Carry drinking water, sun protection and insect repellent. From Christchurch, take SH73 towards the West Coast. Kura Tāwhiti is beside the highway in the Waimakariri basin, about 80 minutes from Christchurch. Lake Matheson/ Te Ara Kairaumati Walk A gentle walk leads to views of the mountains reflected on the still waters of Lake Matheson. 1 hr 30 min, 2.6 km loop All abilities and fitness, wheelchairs and strollers Undulating Lake Matheson is nestled in ancient forest and is famous for mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Its excellent reflecting properties are due to the dark brown colour of the water, the result of organic matter leached from the humus of the forest floor. Dawn and dusk are the best times to enjoy the reflections in the lake. The species most likely to be seen here is the longfin eel, which made this an important mahinga kai (food-gathering site) for Māori travelling along the West Coast. Check the current track conditions and weather forecast before starting your trip. Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly. Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection. From Fox Glacier township, turn onto Cook Flat Road. Travel 5 km along this road, then turn right onto the side road to Lake Matheson. Fox Glacier/ Te Ara o Tuawe Valley Walk Get spectacular views of Fox Glacier/Te Moeka o Tuawe on this short, easy walk. 1 hr, 2.6 km return Most ages and fitness levels Gradual incline After walking for a few minutes, the first view of the glacier will appear. Follow the track down past the landslip zone do not stop in this area. The walk will take you to within about 500 m of the glacier terminal face. Viewing the glaciers is an exciting experience, but it can also be dangerous. Observe all signs and stay behind barriers to have a safe and enjoyable visit. The glacier holds added significance for local Māori as it is the moeka (final resting place) of their ancestor Tuawe. This walk is in an alpine region: be prepared for rapidly changing weather and take warm layered waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear. The track is sometimes closed due to ice collapse, flooding or rock fall. Check the track and weather conditions before starting. To reach the glacier car park, drive south for 2 km from Fox Glacier township on SH6. Turn left immediately before the Fox River bridge and continue to the end of the road.
CANTERBURY OTAGO FIORDLAND Photo: Breizh33 Photo: Shellie Evans Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View A short walk to view New Zealand s longest glacier, the mighty Haupapa/ Tasman Glacier. 40 min, 2.7 km return Gradual incline Steps Walk past the Blue Lakes to the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier viewpoint on the moraine wall, giving spectacular views over Tasman Lake which formed in the 1970s, and on up to New Zealand s largest glacier. Terminal moraines (rock debris left when a glacier retreats) mark the foot of the glacier when the lake was formed and are a sobering reminder of the glacier s retreat. A side trip to the Blue Lakes on the way down offers good swimming in summer and a chance to see New Zealand s smallest bird, the ever-chirpy rifleman. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather in this alpine region. Contact Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre for updates. You ll be walking up many rock steps in a gradual incline; wear sturdy footwear. Turn off SH80 onto Tasman Valley Road just before Aoraki/ Mount Cook village. Follow this road for about 7 km to the car park at the end. Blue Pools Track Nestled among mature beech and podocarp forest, these pools of deep, clear water flowing into the Makarora River offer a moment of tranquillity. 1 hr, 1.5 km return Most ages and fitness levels Flat An easy short walk through mature beech and podocarp forest to these natural wonders of pure glacial water gathered from the mountains. Walk through beech forest to a swing bridge over the Makarora River. Continue on a boardwalk to the second swing bridge, which is the viewing platform over the Blue Pools. Cross the bridge for great views up the river gorge. Large rainbow and brown trout can often be seen feeding in the pools and the threatened yellowhead/mohua can be heard in the canopy. The Blue-Young Link Track continues from the Blue Pools bridge. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather in this alpine region. Contact the Awarua/Haast or Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park visitor centres for visitor information, including the latest track and weather updates. Start from the Blue Pools car park, off the Haast Highway (SH6), 8 km from the township of Makarora. Lake Gunn Nature Walk Experience wild Fiordland as you wander through red beech forest, enjoying glimpses of the birdlife of the Eglinton valley, Lake Gunn and the surrounding mountains. 45 min, 1.4 km loop All abilities and fitness, wheelchairs and strollers Flat The tranquillity of the beech forest surrounds you within a few steps of the car park. Moss smothers the trees. Tomtits, riflemen and other forest birds are prolific. A short side path takes you out onto a stony beach. The vast mountains surrounding the deep blue waters of Lake Gunn are awe-inspring. Enjoy side trips to lake beaches and sheltered fishing spots. The Eglinton valley is a stronghold for New Zealand s native birds: South Island robin/kakaruai, kākā, yellowhead/mohua and short-tailed and long-tailed bats. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions in this alpine region. The walk is wheelchair accessible and is able to be walked in all seasons. The walk begins from Cascade Creek car park on the Milford Road, about 78 km (58 min) from Te Anau.