By Outdoor Next Editorial standards
On this page
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: -35.45412, 174.14219. 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
- 1.5 km loop
- Walking time
- 30 min
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Ruapekapeka Pā
- 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
Explore New Zealand's history on this short, easy walk that's suitable for buggies.
This DOC directory entry covers **Ruapekapeka Pā Track ** in Northland, within Ruapekapeka Pā. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 1.5 km loop
- Walking time: 30 min
- DOC grade: Easiest
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
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The tracks start at the car park. Heading north, the track takes you past a designated picnic area to the British Camp site and location of the memorial grave of British Soldiers.
From here the loop track drops down to cross the valley and return towards the carpark. This section is steeper than others and can be difficult for unassisted wheelchair access though there are no steps. It is suggested that wheelchair users return by the same track to the carpark.
From above the carpark the track takes you past the advanced British position, down through the bush and up to Ruapekapeka Pā site.
Alternatively, you can take this loop, immediately from the carpark and again it is recommended that wheelchair users take the upper level track rather than the steeper bush track.
Getting there
From Whangārei, follow SH1 north for 35 km. Just past the Towai service station, turn right into Ruapekapeka Road and follow this for 4 km.
You will see signs for Ruapekapeka and the carpark 300 m beyond the intersection where Ruapekapeka Road meets Kawakawa Road. The road is unsealed and narrow in places so take care.
The car park is signposted, and it can easily accommodate campervans.
Know before you go
No eating or drinking is permitted on the pā site.
Stay out of pits and tunnels. These are easily damaged, potentially unstable and pose a risk if entered. Children must be supervised.
Although wheelchair accessible, some sections of the track may be more difficult than others.
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 published in DOC's official route gallery with an explicit reuse licence. Its original caption and credit are retained; it does not establish current track conditions.
