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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: -34.99234, 173.85416. 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
- 1 hr one way
- Track grade
- Easy
- 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
The track travels the length of the peninsula, mainly along the ridgetop, giving access to the many sheltered bays and providing outstanding coastal views.
This DOC directory entry covers Mahinepua Peninsula 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: 1 hr one way
- 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.
- Mahinepua Peninsula Track closed; First published on 29 January 2026. Last reviewed on 7 October 2026.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This well-formed track begins at picturesque Mahinepua Beach. Follow the signs and orange DOC markers up a shared driveway to the beginning of the Mahinepua Scenic Reserve. A series of steps have been installed that protect the prominent Māori pā sites. There are around 200 steps throughout the whole track.
There is a loop track three-quarters of the way along the main track. This will take you around a coastal walk encompassing stunning views of the Cavalli Islands, Cape Brett peninsula and, on a clear day, Mount Camel on the Karikari Peninsula.
Warning: Sections of the track that are not boardwalk can be slippery when wet.
Getting there
The Mahinepua Peninsula is about 40 min drive north of Kerikeri on SH10.
To get to the start of the Mahinepua Peninsula Track from SH10, turn east onto Wainui Road then Mahinepua Road. Park your car at the eastern end of Mahinepua Beach. Cross the stile and follow markers up the farm track to the Mahinepua Peninsula Scenic Reserve. Return via the same track.
Respect private property.
Access around the coast is not possible due to tide and reef limitations.
Know before you go
No dogs or fires due to risks to wildlife.
Keep to the track, cliffs exist in this area.
Supervise children at all times.
Carry warm, waterproof clothing, and food and drink, even on short walks.
Stout shoes or walking boots are advisable.
Local community groups are active in the area controlling pests so keep to the main track and keep clear of any traps you may find.
Nature and conservation
Mahinepua is home to rare plants such as the native mistletoe.
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.
