Maitai Bay Headland Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Pass through farmland and manuka scrubland to Maitai Bay Headlands, where you can enjoy scenic views of Waikato Bay and Maitai Bay.

This DOC directory entry covers Maitai Bay Headland Track in Northland, within Karikari Peninsula. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 3.45 km return via same track
• Walking time: 1.5 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.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

The track begins at the Maitai campsite and ventures over farmland and manuka/kanuka shrub.

From the top left of the campste, walk along the fence line until you come to a wooden gate. From here follow the orange triangle markers journeying through native manuka and kanuka, finishing at the end of the headland.

From here you can enjoy spectacular views over the bay area, and out to the Pacific.

After your walk, take a refreshing swim in Maitai Bay’s crystal clear waters.

Getting there

The Headland Track starts at the top left hand corner of the top camp at Maitai Bay Campsite.

Maitai Bay is located on the outer Karikari Peninsula, on Maitai Bay Road, about 44 km northeast of Kaitaia.

From Kaitaia, head north on SH1 until you reach Awanui, then turn right onto SH10. Continue on SH10 for 14.6 km, then turn left onto Inland Road. Continue along Inland Road for 15 km, then turn left onto Maitai Bay Rd and continue for 5 km. The Maitai Bay Campsite entrance is signposted on your right.

Note: You travel 2 km on a gravel road.

Know before you go

• Before walking this track, see the Maitai Bay camp manager first.

• During winter months or after heavy rainfall track will become muddy.

• This track is recommended to be walked during the summer season.

Safety

• Be well prepared when tramping on conservation land, especially on the longer day walks.

• You need to be fit and self sufficient.

• Take adequate food and clothing on your trip and allow for weather changes and possible delays.

• Carry water as streams along the way can dry up over summer.

• Take insect repellent.

• Take care with river crossings, especially after rain. If in doubt, sit it out.

• Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.

• Keep to the tracks. If you become lost - stop, find shelter, stay calm and wait for searchers to find you. Don't leave the area unless you are absolutely sure where you are heading.

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.