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Rodney, Warkworth
11 km
4 hours 30 minutes
627 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a genuine, mud-in-your-boots Kiwi tramping experience that rewards physical effort with rich history and spectacular views, the Te Araroa Trail: Mt Tamahunga (Te Hīkoi O Te Kiri) Track should be right at the top of your list. Located in the beautiful Rodney region just north of Warkworth, this 11-kilometre point-to-point hike is a challenging adventure that showcases the very best of New Zealand's rugged northern landscapes.
With a significant 627-metre elevation gain and a walking time of around 4.5 hours, this track is officially rated as hard. It is a demanding route that requires a good level of fitness, sturdy footing, and a bit of determination. Because of the steep, slippery clay underfoot and some sheer drops, this trail is not suitable for dogs or children.
Your journey begins at the Pakiri Beach end, where the trail initially winds through open, rolling farmland. As you climb, you will navigate grassy paddocks and climb over wooden stiles. Keep an eye out for the orange Te Araroa markers guiding your way, and please respect the private land that grants access to this sacred maunga (mountain).
Soon, the open pastures give way to the cool, dark embrace of dense, regenerating native forest. This is where the real work begins. The track transforms into a classic Kiwi tramping track—root-bound, muddy, and steep. You will find yourself grabbing onto tree roots and branches for leverage as you negotiate the slippery clay slopes. As you gain altitude, the dense forest canopy occasionally parts, revealing tantalising glimpses of the blue waters of Whangateau Harbour and the sweeping Takatu Peninsula.
The summit of Mt Tamahunga sits at 437 metres and is marked by a clearing with a helicopter pad. While the very peak is somewhat enclosed by regenerating bush, several nearby clearings offer excellent vantage points to catch your breath and soak in the expansive coastal views. From the summit, the trail continues its undulating path, passing directly beneath a weather satellite station before embarking on a steep, rocky, and sometimes treacherous descent through more lush forest and open grassy hills, finally bringing you out at Matakana Valley Road.
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The most common starting point for day walkers is the car park on Omaha Valley Road, Matakana. It is located approximately 1 km down Omaha Valley Road (off Leigh Road), just before house number 109. Look for the sign-posted track entrance. For those undertaking the full Te Araroa section, parking can be found near the Pakiri Beach access (eastern end) or in limited lay-bys at the Matakana Valley Road / Govan Wilson Road intersection (western end).
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
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Point to point
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Because this is a point-to-point trail, you will need to plan your transport in advance. Many day walkers choose to arrange a two-car shuttle with friends, parking one car at each end of the track.
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The lush forest of Mt Tamahunga is a thriving sanctuary for native birdlife. As you climb quietly through the bush, keep your ears and eyes open for these local residents:
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This trail is not just a physical challenge; it is a walk through a deeply significant chapter of New Zealand history. The track's secondary name, Te Hīkoi O Te Kiri (Te Kiri's March), is named in honour of a revered Ngāti Wai war chief.
In 1864, during the New Zealand Wars, 180 Māori prisoners of war escaped from confinement on nearby Kawau Island. Chief Te Kiri met the escapees and led them through these very forests, providing them with safe passage, food, and refuge on the rugged slopes of Mt Tamahunga. As you make your way up the steep ridges, imagining 180 people moving silently through this dense, unforgiving terrain adds a profound sense of respect and history to every step you take.
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After tackling 11 kilometres of steep ridges and mud, you will have worked up a massive appetite. Fortunately, the vibrant village of Matakana is just a short drive from either trailhead and is packed with fantastic spots to refuel:
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round