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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: -35.71053, 174.26676. 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
- 8.9 km loop
- Walking time
- 4–5 hr loop
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Whangārei 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
A challenging walk across a ridge and through beautiful native forest.
This DOC directory entry covers Taraire Ridge Track in Northland, within Whangārei 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: 8.9 km loop
- Walking time: 4–5 hr loop
- DOC grade: 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.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The track follows the ridge through a range of different forest types. Taraire trees dominate the forest, as the name suggests, with rimu and kauri also featuring. There are several good picnic spots next to the Mangere Stream.
The loop begins at the entrance to the forest.
You can walk the track in either direction from this point, but we recommend that you turn left at the entrance and walk in a clockwise direction, as this is the easier gradient.
Getting there
The 1500 hectares Western Hills and Pukenui Forest area is located right on Whangārei’s western doorstep.
Pukenui Forest tracks are signposted on Three Mile Bush Road, approximately 4 km from the Kamo traffic lights in Whangārei. You can see the entrance sign almost opposite Rotomate Road or on Amalin Drive.
Know before you go
Dogs, horses, firearms and fires are not allowed.
There may be wasps and wasp nests in the area.
Nature and conservation
Pukenui is regionally important for its ecological, cultural and historic significance. DOC, local iwi, the Pukenui Western Hills Forest Charitable Trust and the community are committed to restoring Pukenui through their revegetation programme, weed and pest control.
As predator numbers have dropped, North Island brown kiwi have been released into the area. The vision is for the restoration work to continue, resulting in an increase in the numbers and variety of native flora and fauna.
History and culture
Pukenui Forest, the Whau Valley Catchment and Coronation reserve are of great importance to the Whangārei District. The areas contain high conservation values, are full of historic and cultural sites and provide great recreational opportunities.
The stone walls, built by hand, are a feature of the landscape in this district and have endured remarkably well over the years.
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.
