Wairakau Stream Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This track is for experienced trampers. It first climbs over a saddle to an old farm road and then descends through regenerating forest to Wairakau Stream. It ends at Lane Cove Hut.

This DOC directory entry covers Wairakau Stream Track in Northland, within Whangaroa 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: 5.6 km one way
• Walking time: 2 hr
• DOC grade: Intermediate

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

At the end of Campbell Road, you will find the start of the Wairakau Stream Track. Climb over the stile onto an old farm road. The track is wide, steep and clay-based so take special care during or after rain.

After about 20 minutes walk, you will find a sign showing the way to the Wairakau Stream. Once at the stream make two minor river crossings to pass through the grassy flats in the valley. Continue over the rocky terrain and keep an eye out for the ‘disappearing’ waterfalls that come and go depending on recent rainfall.

Follow the south-western arm of the Whangaroa Harbour to the Lane Cove Hut, day shelter and toilets in Pekapeka/Ranfurly Bay. If you have not booked the Lane Cove Hut, respect the privacy of hut users but feel free to use the toilets and day shelter provided.

The Wairakau Stream Track then heads up to the Kairara Rocks along the Duke’s Nose (Kaiaraara Rocks) Track to stunning views of the Whangaroa Harbour and beyond.

Getting there

By land

Travel north on SH10, turn right onto Totara North Road towards Totara North. Turn left into Campbell Road. The Wairakau Stream Track starts approximately 400 metres along Campbell Road. Stop at the gate/stile and park well off the road on the grass verge.

By sea

The Wairakau Stream Track can also be reached by sea. The end of the track is located in Lane Cove at the western end of the Whangaroa Harbour.

Private vessels can launch from either the Totara North or Whangaroa boat ramps.

Know before you go

Stream crossings can flood

The track can be challenging with muddy sections and uneven ground, and stream crossings that can flood in heavy rain.

Do not cross the Wairakau Stream during or after heavy rain as it can become swift and deep. Either wait for the waters to subside, return the way you came or go to Lane Cove via boat.

Be prepared

Fires are not permitted due to the risk they pose to kiwi and other wildlife.

Carry warm, waterproof clothing, and food and drink, even on short walks. Stout shoes or walking boots are advisable.

Before leaving for your walk, make sure your vehicle is locked and any valuables out of sight.

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.