Puriri Track : Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

One of the bush walks at Mimiwhangata, the track leads you to the top of the ridge with impressive views of the peninsula and out towards the Poor Knights Islands.

This DOC directory entry covers **Puriri Track ** in Northland, within Mimiwhangata Coastal Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
• Walking time: 2 hr 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.

• Alternative access to Mimiwhangata Road; First published on 27 January 2026. Last reviewed on 14 September 2026.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

The track starts on the right hand side of the road as you head into the park. After crossing the fence and stream, the track is marked clearly and heads straight towards the bush.

The track enters predominantly manuka and regenerating tanekaha on a clay track leading quite steeply up the side of the valley. Once you are near the top of the ridge, there are impressive views of the peninsula and out towards the Poor Knights Islands.

From here you can either make your way back the same way or continue and go down to the coast and back to the car park via the beach.

Getting there

Mimiwhangata Coastal Park is 48 km from Whangārei and 52 km from Russell. Take the old Whangārei-Russell coastal road, turn-off at Helena Bay and continue on Webb Road. After Teal Bay the road is unsealed, narrow and winding, and unsuitable for towing caravans. Mimiwhangata Coastal Road is after the Ngahau Bay turn-off.

Know before you go

• There are unbridged river crossings. Do not attempt to cross in flood conditions.

• There may be wasps and wasp nests in the area.

• Portable stoves and liquid fuel is a major concern in dry months. No fires are permitted within the park or on the beach.

• Northland reserve bylaws apply to Mimiwhangata Scenic Reserve.

• Overnight campervan stays are not permitted.

• Camping is only permitted at Waikahoa Bay.

• Follow tracks and use stiles where provided.

• The rest of the farm is open for walking. Avoid disturbing stock and leave gates as you find them.

• Farm hazards exist, including some electric fences.

Water safety

If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.

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.