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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: -35.32018, 174.07204. 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
- 370 m return via same track
- Walking time
- 30 min return
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Paihia area
- Dog access
- Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only. 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
A pleasant walk through regenerating forest to a lookout with stunning views over a valley that is home to kauri trees.
This DOC directory entry covers Opua Kauri Walk in Northland, within Paihia 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: 370 m return via same track
- Walking time: 30 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.
Dog access
Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Boardwalk on Opua Kauri WalkImage: DOC
This is a short but delightful stroll, partly on boardwalk through groves of kauri to an elevated lookout platform and bench seat. Once at the lookout you will be surrounded by kauri trees of different ages – from young rickers up to 25 years old to more mature trees of about 400 years in age.
If you want to walk for a further two hours, return to Oromahoe Road, turn right towards SH11 for 800 m and take the Oromahoe Traverse. This track will take you eventually to School Road in Paihia. Along the way the Oromahoe Traverse joins the Paihia School Road Track.
Once at the Paihia School Road Track you will have stunning views to Waitangi, across Motumairie (one of the islands off Paihia) to Russell then over the Russell Peninsula to Cape Brett and Ipipiri, the eastern Bay of Islands.
Getting there
You can start the Opua Kauri Walk on Oromahoe Road, Opua. The track starts approximately 4 km from SH11 near the Opua township.
Know before you go
Carry warm, waterproof clothing, and food and drink, even on short walks. Stout shoes or walking boots are advisable.
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.
