Flagstaff Hill Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Enjoy 360 degree views of the Bay of Islands from this important historic site - the Union Jack was first flown here in 1840, then chopped down four times up till 1845 as a symbolic gesture against British rule.

This DOC directory entry covers Flagstaff Hill Track in Northland, within Russell 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: 2.5 km loop
• Walking time: 30 min
• DOC grade: Easy

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 Flagstaff Hill Loop Track takes you through regenerating kanuka/manuka scrub down into the Waipara/Watering Bay stream and wetland then back up to one of New Zealand’s most iconic historic sites - Te Maiki/Flagstaff Hill.

On this walk you may very well come across the endangered North Island weka, which has been successfully reintroduced to the Russell Peninsula by the Russell Landcare Trust.

A section of this track crosses private land – walkers are welcome. Respect the signage in place for no dogs, even on a lead, and keep to the formed track.

Getting there

At low tide

Walk north from the northern end of The Strand, Kororareka Bay along the beaches to Watering Bay. Turn inland along the Flagstaff Hill Loop Track. Take the left-hand fork in the track and climb through regenerating coastal forest to reach Titore Way. Turn right onto the road, walk 300 metres along this road to a sign marking the final leg of the Flagstaff Hill Loop Track. This leg takes you up through regenerating coastal scrub to the famous flagstaff, 360-degree views of the Bay of Islands and the Flagstaff Hill summit (Te Maiki).

Once at the summit, take the path down to the carpark. At the carpark, there are two options: cross the carpark and take the short track up to the sundial for more stunning views of the Bay of Islands and Russell township or turn right to continue the Flagstaff Hill Loop Track down to the top of Wellington Street and from there to Russell township.

At high tide

The Flagstaff Hill Loop Track starts at the intersection of Wellington and Kent Streets, near the boatramp on The Strand in Russell. Walk approximately 300 metres up Wellington Street - look out for a sign on your left. This high tide alternative track takes you down into the Kororareka Reserve. At the intersection of the tracks in the valley turn right and follow the Flagstaff Hill Loop Track to Titore Way. See the low tide description for further route directions from here.

Note: Wellington Street is very narrow. If you are walking, watch out for vehicles; if you are driving look out for pedestrians.

Know before you go

• Freedom camping is not allowed on Flagstaff Hill/Te Maiki.

• Do not cycle on the Flagstaff Hill Loop Track as it is not designed for mountain-biking.

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.