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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: -35.75023, 173.55881. 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
- 2.6 km to Maunganui Bluff | 5.3 km to Waikara Beach one way
- Walking time
- 1 hr 30 min to Maunganui Bluff | 5 hr to Waikara Beach one way
- Track grade
- Easy; Advanced
- Location
- Dargaville area
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
Climb up and over an ancient volcanic crater for some of the best views in the region - pass through some pristine coastal vegetation dominated by Pohutukawa.
This DOC directory entry covers Maunganui Bluff Track in Northland, within Dargaville 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: 2.6 km to Maunganui Bluff | 5.3 km to Waikara Beach one way
- Walking time: 1 hr 30 min to Maunganui Bluff | 5 hr to Waikara Beach one way
- DOC grade: Easy; 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.
Description
Beginning from Aranga Beach this track zigzags up the impressive volcanic remnant known as Maunganui Bluff. Turn around at the summit or continue north to Waikara Beach.
From the summit, the track descends into the Waitapu Saddle, then climbs once more before heading down onto the beach. There is a camping area but no facilities at the end of the track. Return the same way as there is no road access to this end of the track.
Getting there
From Dargaville head north on SH12 for 36 km, then turn onto Aranga Coast Road and follow this for 6.5 km. The track starts at the end of Aranga Coast Road at Aranga Beach.
Know before you go
There is no road access to the northern end of the track - you must plan for a return trip.
Access further north along the coastline is limited to the intertidal zone, ie wet sand. The land above the high tide mark is private land and trespassers may be prosecuted.
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.
