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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: -35.36395, 174.36713. 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
- 6 km loop
- Walking time
- 1 hr - 2 hr 30 min
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Whangaruru North Head Scenic Reserve
- 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
The Whangaruru North Head Walking Tracks start from the popular Puriri Bay Campsite. The tracks follow through native forest and ridgelines before dropping down into secluded bays.
This DOC directory entry covers Whangaruru North Head walking tracks in Northland, within Whangaruru North Head Scenic Reserve. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 6 km loop
- Walking time: 1 hr - 2 hr 30 min
- 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.
- Whangaruru North Head walking tracks closed; First published on 3 February 2026. Last reviewed on 14 September 2026.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
From the popular campsite and amenity area at Puriri Bay are a series of interlinked walks. They follow through native forest along ridgelines giving panoramic views of the harbour and open coastlines.
The tracks drop down into secluded bays, such as Admirals Bay, suitable for swimming and snorkelling.
There are three options.
Full loop: 2 hr 30 min / 6km
Northern loop: 1 hr 30 min / 4km
Southern loop: 1 hr 30 min / 4km
Getting there
Puriri Bay, lies just inside the mouth of Whangaruru Harbour, on the east coast half way between Whangārei and Russell. The turn off to Whangaruru North is at Ngaiotonga on the old Whangārei – Russell coastal road.
Know before you go
Hazards
- Walking tracks pass through areas of regenerating bush and farm land – wasps and wasp nests are prevalent in this area.
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.
