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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: -35.51149, 174.47213. 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
- 3.4 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 1 hr 40 min return
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Whananaki 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 Motutara Recreation Reserve lies halfway between Russell and Whangārei. At the reserve you’ll find several small beaches and some good fishing and diving spots.
This DOC directory entry covers Motutara Recreation Reserve Walk in Northland, within Whananaki 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: 3.4 km return via same track
- Walking time: 1 hr 40 min return
- 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.
- Motutara Reserve Walk closed; First published on 27 January 2026. Last reviewed on 6 October 2026.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This is an enjoyable and easy short walk across open farm land, from where you can take in lovely coastal scenery.
The first section of this track passes through private farmland and a campground before entering the reserve. Stay on the track.
Once in the reserve you can wander in any direction you like. Out on the headland there are several small secluded beaches, and some good fishing and diving spots.
Getting there
The start of the Motutara Recreation Reserve is in the Whananaki village on the east coast, halfway between Russell and Whangārei (40 km north east from Whangārei). It is signposted from Rockell Bay Road and begins at the base of the hill in the village.
Take care, as there is limited roadside parking.
Know before you go
Wasps and wasp nests may be present in this area.
Leave gates as you find them.
Northland reserve bylaws apply to Motutara Recreation Reserve.
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.
