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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -35.01339, 173.73254. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 45 min one way
- Track grade
- Intermediate
- Location
- Whangaroa area
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Take in spectacular views of Whangaroa Harbour from Duke's Nose.
This DOC directory entry covers Duke's Nose (Kaiaraara Rocks) Track in Northland, within Whangaroa area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 45 min one way
- DOC grade: Intermediate
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The Duke’s Nose (Kaiaraara Rocks) track starts behind Lane Cove Hut and day shelter, Pekapeka Bay, Whangaroa Harbour.
The track follows the stream behind the hut towards the top of Duke’s Nose. Take in spectacular views of the native coastal forest below, the Whangaroa Harbour and to the sea beyond.
Getting there
Climbing on the Duke's Nose Track
The Duke’s Nose (Kaiaraara Rocks) track starts behind Lane Cove Hut and day shelter, Pekapeka Bay, Whangaroa Harbour.
You can reach the track by land via the Wairakau Stream Track. If arriving by sea from Totara North, Whangaroa boat ramps or Ranfurly Bay, land at the day shelter, turn right, and follow the orange triangular DOC markers.
Know before you go
Fires are not permitted due to the risk they pose to kiwi and other wildlife.
No camping allowed.
Carry warm, waterproof clothing, and food and drink, even on short walks. Stout shoes or walking boots are advisable.
Before leaving for your walk, make sure your vehicle is locked and any valuables out of sight.
Stick to the DOC track as there are pest animal trapping lines in the forest. These are marked with flagging tape and markers.
Safety
Vertical drop-offs exist at the summit on this track which has no safety barriers. It is recommended that movement on the summit is undertaken with caution and that children are supervised.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
