Te Araroa Trail: Mt Tamahunga (Te Hīkoi O Te Kiri) Track

Point to point

• The Sweeping Coastal Views: The initial climb over the Pakiri farmland offers breathtaking, unobstructed panoramas of the Pacific Ocean, Pakiri Beach, and the outer Hauraki Gulf.
• The Immersive Native Canopy: Once you enter the forest, you are treated to a vibrant tapestry of classic New Zealand flora. Keep an eye out for majestic Pūriri, Tānekaha (celery pine), Taraire, Karaka, Nīkau palms, Climbing Rātā, and giant Ponga (silver ferns).
• The Mt Tamahunga Summit: At 437 metres, the summit helicopter pad is a fantastic spot to rest, enjoy a well-deserved trail lunch, and snap some photos of the surrounding Rodney district.
• The Weather Satellite Station: Just past the summit, the trail passes near a large, dome-like weather satellite station, adding a slightly futuristic contrast to the ancient forest.

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Getting There

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.

• Western Trailhead (Matakana Valley Road): This is the most common starting or finishing point. There are limited lay-bys for parking near the Matakana Valley Road and Govan Wilson Road intersection.
• Eastern Trailhead (Pakiri Beach): Parking can be found near the Pakiri Beach access at the eastern end of the track.
• Omaha Valley Road Option: If you only want to climb to the summit and back as an out-and-back day walk, you can start from the dedicated car park on Omaha Valley Road. This car park is located about 1 km down Omaha Valley Road (just off Leigh Road), right before house number 109. Look out for the signposted track entrance.

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Wildlife Spotting

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:

• Tūī (Common, year-round): You will undoubtedly hear their iconic, throat-clearing chimes, clicks, and melodic whistles long before you see them darting through the canopy.
• Fantail / Pīwakawaka (Common, year-round): These friendly little birds will often flutter right alongside you on the path, using your footsteps to kick up tasty insects from the leaf litter.
• Kererū (Occasional, year-round): Listen for the heavy, rhythmic "whoosh-whoosh" of wings. These large, green-and-white native pigeons love feeding on the berries of the Taraire and Karaka trees.
• Grey Warbler / Riroriro (Common, year-round): Though tiny and incredibly difficult to spot in the dense foliage, their long, delicate, trilling song is a constant soundtrack to the hike.
• Silvereye / Tauhou (Common, year-round): Look for small flocks of these green-and-grey birds with distinctive white rings around their eyes flitting through the undergrowth.

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Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Best Seasons: This trail can be walked year-round, but each season brings a different experience. Spring and Summer offer the driest underfoot conditions and the most comfortable climbing temperatures. Autumn brings crisp, clear days with excellent visibility. While Winter is beautiful, the track becomes incredibly muddy, slippery, and slow-going—turn up prepared for a real muddy workout!
• Best Time of Day: Start early in the morning. The initial climb through the farmland is completely exposed, and tackling this section before the midday sun hits is highly recommended.
• Footwear is Key: Leave your sneakers at home. Good quality, high-grip hiking boots with excellent ankle support are essential to tackle the clay slopes and slippery tree roots.
• Pack Hiking Poles: Many hikers find walking poles to be an absolute lifesaver on both the steep, muddy ascent and the slick, rocky descent.
• Hydration & Sun Protection: There are no water sources along the trail, so pack at least 2 litres of water. Don't forget sunscreen and a hat for the exposed farmland sections at either end of the hike.

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Local & Regional Context

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 the Walk

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:

• The Matakana Village Pub: A local favourite, boasting a beautiful, historic garden bar. It is the perfect spot to sit outside, enjoy a cold craft beer, and tuck into some hearty pub classics like burgers or fish and chips.
• Black Dog Cafe: If you finish your hike earlier in the day, head here for a fantastic flat white, delicious cabinet food, and excellent cooked breakfasts.
• Morris & James Cafe: Situated in a beautiful courtyard next to the famous pottery showroom, this cafe offers a relaxed atmosphere and a great range of wood-fired pizzas and fresh, seasonal salads.

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