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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: -35.28401, 174.11083. 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
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 10 min one way
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Russell 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
Located near Russell, this short walk traverses Toretore Island. It takes you through a young tōtara forest with views of the inner Bay of Islands and Paihia's off-shore islands.
This DOC directory entry covers Toretore Island Walk in Northland, within Russell 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 10 min one way
- 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
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Between the tree trunks you can see glimpses of the inner Bay of Islands and the Veronica Channel leading to the port of Opua.
You will find more open views of Paihia and Paihia's off-shore islands, Motu Maire and Kuia Rongouru, when you get to the north-western end of Toretore Island.
Getting there
Park at the end of Te Wahapu Road (10 minutes from Russell township). Turn right at the boat ramp and walk around the beach to the Te Wahapu Reserve administered by the Far North District Council.
Toretore Island is accessible across a shingle bank from the Te Wahapu Reserve at mid-to-low tide only.
Know before you go
- Toretore Island can only be accessed at mid-to-low tide. Be sure to check the tides before you leave to plan your return trip.
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.
