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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: -35.21889, 173.96404. 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
- 800 m one way
- Walking time
- 20 min
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Kerikeri area / Kororipo Heritage Park
- 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
Walk in the footsteps of chief Hongi Hika and early missionaries to Kororipo Pā – this short, easy walk is suitable for children.
This DOC directory entry covers Kororipo Pā Historic Walk in Northland, within Kerikeri area / Kororipo Heritage Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 800 m one way
- Walking time: 20 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
Walk through the Waharoa (carved red entrance way) up a gentle grass slope featuring gum trees and regenerating native forest. Wayfinding markers will guide you to Kororipo Pā (fortified Maori settlement) where there is a viewing platform with amazing views.
The return walk is 5-minute stroll down a gentle slope. Keep right to join the historic route to the Stone Store. The track winds through regenerating native forest, crosses a small bridge and finishes on Kerikeri Road opposite the historic Stone Store.
Getting there
The walk is 4 km from Kerikeri. Follow Kerikeri Road, turn left into Heritage Bypass, right into Waipapa Road, then right into Landing Road. Kororipo Heritage Park is at the end of the road, next to to the Kerikeri River.
Park in the northern carpark off Landing Road. Start with a leisurely stroll across the pedestrian river bridge and turn right up the service lane onto Kerikeri Road. For disabled access, drive to 246 Kerikeri Road in front of the Stone Store. There are two parks available for people with wheelchairs.
Once on Kerikeri Road, walk to St James Church’s lower carpark (209 Kerikeri Road). Look for the red Waharoa (carved entrance way) at the northern end – these mark the start of the track.
Know before you go
Kororipo Heritage Park has toilets, a café, restaurant, picnic tables and a BBQ area.
Combine your walk with a visit to the Stone Store – New Zealand’s oldest stone building, a guided tour of the former mission house. Or visit Te Ahurea, a replica pre-European Māori fishing (kainga) village named after Ngāpuhi chief Rewa. See Te Ahurea website.
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 published in DOC's official route gallery with an explicit reuse licence. Its original caption and credit are retained; it does not establish current track conditions.
