By Outdoor Next Editorial standards
On this page
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: -35.23462, 173.62803. 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
- 140 m return via same track
- Walking time
- 10 min
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Puketī and Ōmahuta Forests
- 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
This easy walk in the Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary will take you to the stump and head of one of the largest kauri ever felled in the Omahuta Forest.
This DOC directory entry covers Kauri Stump Walk in Northland, within Puketī and Ōmahuta Forests. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 140 m return via same track
- Walking time: 10 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
Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This easy walk will take you to the stump and head of one of the largest kauri ever felled in the Omahuta Forest.
The track is mostly level, but can be wet in several places, so you need to take care.
The surrounding vegetation is regenerating native forest with a canopy of manuka and undergrowth of young kohekohe, taraire, towai and some rimu and kauri.
Getting there
Omahuta Forest is easily accessible from both the Hokianga Harbour and the Bay of Islands. The forest is signposted a few kilometres south of Mangamuka Bridge, near the settlement of Mangamuka on SH1. Turn into Omahuta Road then onto Omahuta Forest Road.
Be aware, considerable care needs to be taken on Omahuta roads. They are unsealed, narrow, and there can be issues with the road surface. They are not suitable for caravans or campervans. 4WD is required.
Leave your vehicle in the parking area at the entrance to the Kauri Stump Walk. There is room for three to four vehicles.
Know before you go
Take care on Omahuta roads and do not use them with caravans or campervans. They are unsealed, narrow, and there can be road surface issues.
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.
The Te Araroa trail passes close by the Kauri Stump Track.
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.
