Mangamuka Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Mangamuka Track is a backcountry track through scenic Raetea Forest, best suited for experienced trampers. This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.

This DOC directory entry covers Mangamuka Track in Northland, within Raetea Forest and Mangamuka Gorge Scenic Reserve. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 19 km one way
• Walking time: 10-12 hr (allow extra time, may take much longer in poor track and weather conditions)
• 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.

Seasonal restrictions

This track is best in dry weather during summer. It is very slippery, wet and muddy in winter and after heavy rain.

Dog access

Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.

This track takes approximately 10-12 hours in normal conditions, but may take much longer at times (eg if the track is wet).

The track starts at the junction of Takahue Saddle Road and Warner Road. Follow the old Takahue Saddle Road as it climbs up the hill. The track then enters Raetea Forest and climbs through bush to the summit of Mt Raetea (744 m).

The track then travels along an undulating saddle and offers good views to the west coast and the north. The track can be muddy in places.

There is another a track junction at the 727 m high point. Take the right-hand track and follow it along the ridge, passing Kumetewhiwhia (683 m) and Umaumakaroro (447 m).

Shortly before Umaumakaroro, the track leaves Raetea Forest. After passing Umaumakaroro, the track then descends steeply and crosses private farmland. Follow the signs to stay on the correct route. The track ends at Makene Road.

There are no water tanks or toilets on the track. Carry plenty of water and know how to dispose of human waste safely.

The track is marked with orange triangles. There are also blue marker posts every 1 km.

Alternative track exit: turn left at the 727 m high point and follow the Mangamuka Summit Track down through podocarp forest to end at SH1 in Mangamuka Gorge.

Getting there

This track is located south of Kaitaia. It begins on Takahue Saddle Road, around 20 minutes drive from Kaitaia.

We don’t recommend walking to the track entrance as this area has busy roads.

If you need transport back to Kaitaia, arrange this before you go. There is no cell phone reception on the track.

Know before you go

Expect a rough backcountry track, with frequent slips, damage and fallen trees

Mangamuka Track is a backcountry tramping track. The track surface is rough and it is not often maintained – the track is best suited to experienced trampers who have good navigational skills.

There are frequent slips, slumps in the track and fallen trees, particularly after rain or high wind. You will need to climb around or over these, there may not be marked diversions.

The track is best in summer during dry weather

This track becomes extremely slippery, wet and muddy in winter and following heavy rain. We recommended only walking this track in dry weather during summer.

Before heading out, check the weather forecast: Northland Regional Forecast – MetService.

No water sources, carry water

There are no drinking water sources or creeks on this track. Carry lots of drinking water.

This is a remote track – pack well, including a distress beacon

There is no mobile coverage along the track, so pack a distress beacon.

Pack to be self-sufficient and ready for an unplanned night out. This means packing plenty of warm and waterproof clothes, an emergency shelter and extra food. Check these gear lists to know what to take with you.

Stay on the track to protect kauri

There are no cleaning stations in Raetea Forest as there are no kauri trees adjacent to the track. Keep to the track to avoid spreading the kauri dieback pathogen to kauri trees deeper in the forest.

There are cleaning stations and opportunities to see kauri up close in Ōmahuta and Puketī Forests.

Reduce wildfire risks

Fires put NZ wildlife at risk and the fire danger in this area can be very high. We only allow pressurised liquid or gas fuelled cookers when camping. Take care when using cookers, observe fire restrictions and always check the fire danger before you light.

Nature and conservation

Keep an eye out for the many native animals that call Mangamuka home, such as kauri snails/pupurangi and kūkupa/kererū/New Zealand pigeon.

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.