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Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 9 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Herekino Forest
- Dog access
- Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only. 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
The 15 km Herekino Forest Track passes through forest that is home to many rare and threatened species including the North Island brown kiwi, long-tailed bat and kauri snail.
This DOC directory entry covers Herekino Forest Track in Northland, within Herekino Forest. 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: 9 hr
- DOC grade: Advanced
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.
- Herekino Forest Track closed; First published on 5 March 2025. Last reviewed on 8 October 2026.
Dog access
Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Trampers on the Herekino Forest Track pass through a magnificent stand of mature kauri
The first part of the track is a quite steep climb through a mature broadleaf/podocarp forest. Along the track, you will encounter magnificent kauri stands.
Early in the morning, on a clear day, you can get beautiful views of the Aupōuri Peninsula, Karikari, Doubtless bay and Rangaunu Harbour.
Getting there
Herekino Forest is located south-east of Kaitaia.
You can access the track from Awaroa Road, at the Herekino Gorge summit, known as Te Arai. Alternative access is from Veza Rd Takahue.
Know before you go
Trampers need to be fit and self sufficient.
Carry water as streams along the way can dry up over summer.
Take insect repellent and food.
For more information on the Herekino Forest Tracks check out the Te Araroa website.
History and culture
At the entrance of the walking track stand a pouwhenua with its six guardian pou. These were erected by local iwi Te Rarawa, as the kaitiaki (guardians) of the forest. The pou signify the importance and the good spirit of the track.
The track was opened in April 2003, Prime Minister Helen Clark and Conservation Minister Chris Carter. It forms part of the the Te Araroa Trail. The trail connects places such as Herekino and Te Arai, which are rich in the history and the character of the people who have lived there for generations.
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.
