Loading...
Tapotupotu Bay Campsite, Far North
48 km
96 hours
2500 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you’re looking for the ultimate multi-day coastal adventure in New Zealand, it doesn’t get much more dramatic or beautiful than the Te Paki Coastal Track. Located at the very top of the North Island, this world-class wilderness tramp showcases a raw, wind-swept landscape where mighty oceans collide.
While many hikers choose to begin this epic journey at Spirits Bay, starting your adventure at the picturesque Tapotupotu Bay offers a unique, incredibly scenic entry point to this rugged coastline. Over several challenging days, you’ll traverse soaring clifftops, sheltered jade-green coves, and massive, shifting desert-like sand dunes. It is a true bucket-list Kiwi experience for seasoned hikers ready to test their limits in the "winterless north."
The Te Paki Coastal Track starting from Tapotupotu Bay is an demanding, point-to-point journey covering 48 kilometres of spectacular, ever-changing terrain. Rated as an expert-level, advanced tramping track by the Department of Conservation (DOC), this is not a walk to be taken lightly. With an accumulated elevation gain of 2500 metres and an estimated duration of 96 hours (typically spread over 4 to 5 days), you will need a high level of fitness, proper tramping gear, and a good head for heights.
Because of the steep, undulating climbs, exposed clifftop pathways, and the remote nature of the Far North, this trail is not kid-friendly. Additionally, to protect the fragile coastal ecosystems and nesting native birdlife, dogs are strictly prohibited on the track.
Leaving the serene, sheltered waters of Tapotupotu Bay, the track immediately gets to work, climbing steeply up onto the coastal headlands. Underfoot, you’ll navigate a mix of hard-packed clay, loose gravel, soft sand, and boardwalks. One moment you’ll be marching through regenerating native scrub and pockets of coastal forest, and the next you’ll emerge onto dramatic, windswept clifftops offering dizzying views down to the churning ocean below.
The physical challenge is constant, but so is the reward. As you march westward, the track guides you down into secluded coves and across wide, empty beaches before climbing right back up onto the next headland. The final leg of the tramp brings a complete change of scenery as you leave the cliffs behind to negotiate the vast, golden expanse of the Te Paki Stream sand dunes—a surreal, desert-like finish to an extraordinary coastal journey.
Parking is available at the Tapotupotu Bay Campsite. The campsite is accessible via a 3-kilometre gravel road that turns off State Highway 1, approximately 2 kilometres south of Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga). Wheelchair-accessible parking spaces are also available at the campsite.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Poodytes punctatus
A secretive marsh-dweller, known for its cryptic plumage and distinctive 'stitch' call, sometimes visiting from nearby estuaries.
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
Be the first to share a photo of this trail
Recent reports from hikers
No condition reports yet.
Be the first to report the current conditions!
See what other hikers are saying
--
No reviews yet
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Point to point
* Tapotupotu Bay: Your starting point is a stunning, bush-fringed estuary and beach that feels like the edge of the world. It’s the perfect spot to camp the night before your hike to fall asleep to the sound of the crashing waves. * Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua): Early in the hike, you'll climb high enough to enjoy panoramic views stretching towards the iconic Cape Reinga lighthouse. Watching the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean collide in a chaotic, frothing line of white water is a sight you will never forget. Sandy Bay: This secluded, jade-green cove is a true coastal paradise. Surrounded by gnarly, ancient pōhutukawa* trees clinging precariously to the rocky cliffs, it is the quintessential spot to rest your legs and soak in the wild atmosphere. * Cape Maria Van Diemen: The sweeping views of this dramatic, westernmost cape, with its prominent islet and sweeping white sand spit, are absolutely breathtaking. * Te Paki Sand Dunes: Emerging from the coastal scrub into the towering, sculptured giant sand dunes of the Te Paki Stream is a mind-bending experience. Watching the wind ripple across the sand at sunset is the perfect way to celebrate the end of your tramp.
To reach the starting point, drive north along State Highway 1 towards Cape Reinga. Approximately 2 kilometres south of the Cape Reinga carpark, look out for the signposted turn-off to Tapotupotu Bay.
Follow the 3-kilometre gravel road down to the Tapotupotu Bay Campsite. While the road is unsealed, it is generally well-maintained and suitable for standard two-wheel-drive vehicles.
There is ample parking available at the campsite, including designated wheelchair-accessible spaces. Because this is a point-to-point track ending at the Te Paki Stream giant sand dunes, you will need to arrange a vehicle key swap with friends, coordinate a car drop-off, or book a local shuttle service to transport you back to your vehicle at the end of your journey.
The coastal reserves of the Far North are a haven for native birdlife. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready, as you are highly likely to encounter several unique species along the way.
As you brush through the coastal manuka scrub, listen out for the sweet, high-pitched call of the Grey Warbler (riroriro) or the occasional, metallic call of the shy Fernbird (mātātā).
Down on the beaches and rocky shorelines, you’ll easily spot the striking Variable Oystercatcher (tōrea pango) poking around the tide line, along with the occasional New Zealand Dotterel (tūturiwhatu) nesting in the sand. Remember to give these ground-nesting birds plenty of space, especially during spring.
Look up to the skies to spot White-fronted Terns (tara) diving into the ocean with incredible speed, and Pied Shags (kāruhiruhi) drying their wings on the rocks. If you are incredibly lucky and quiet around the rocky coves at dusk, you might even catch a rare glimpse of a Little Penguin (kororā) returning to shore after a long day of fishing.
* Best Seasons: The "winterless north" boasts a subtropical climate, making this track hikable year-round. Spring is a magical time to go, as the manuka is in bloom and native birds are highly active. Summer offers classic Kiwi beach weather but can be intensely hot. Autumn brings cooler, more comfortable tramping temperatures, while Winter is mild, though you should expect wetter track conditions. * Time of Day: Start your daily legs as early as possible. Much of this track is completely exposed to the elements, and beating the midday sun on the steep clay climbs will save you a lot of sweat and energy. * What to Pack: You must be entirely self-sufficient. Pack a high-quality tent, a warm sleeping bag, and a reliable camp stove. * Water and Sun Protection: There are very few reliable drinking water sources along the track, and coastal streams can be brackish. Carry plenty of water and a high-quality filter or purification tablets. Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses are non-negotiable, as the northern sun is fierce. * Biting Insects: Sandflies and mosquitoes can be relentless, particularly during the humid summer months, so pack a strong insect repellent.
The Te Paki region is a landscape of profound spiritual and cultural significance. For the local iwi (tribe) Ngāti Kuri, this land is deeply sacred. You will be walking through Te Ara Wairua (the spirits' pathway). According to Māori tradition, after death, the spirits of the deceased travel up the coast to Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga), where they leap off the clifftops into the ocean to return to their ancestral homeland of Hawaiki.
As you hike, you will pass close to several historically significant archaeological sites, including ancient pā (fortified village) sites, shell middens, and old garden terraces. Please treat the land with the utmost respect—stick strictly to the formed track and leave everything exactly as you found it.
The Te Paki Coastal Track also forms the very beginning of the Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand's prestigious 3,000-kilometre walking route that spans the entire length of the country from Cape Reinga to Bluff.
After four days of challenging tramping, sleeping on the ground, and eating dehydrated meals, you’ll be craving a cold drink and some hearty Kiwi pub food.
To refuel, make the drive back south down State Highway 1 to the Houhora Tavern. Known proudly as "the most northern pub in New Zealand," this historic, friendly tavern offers a fantastic selection of cold beers on tap, classic pub meals like fish and chips or a massive steak, and a lovely deck overlooking the Houhora Harbour.
If you're in the mood for a great coffee, a fresh cabinet treat, or a gourmet burger, stop off at the Pukenui Pacific Cafe & Bar in the nearby Pukenui township. It’s a favourite local hangout where you can sit back, relax, and swap stories of your epic journey along the wild northern coast.
Anarhynchus obscurus
A threatened shorebird, the southern subspecies is critically endangered and breeds on sandy beaches and exposed hilltops.
Best time: Year-round
Haematopus unicolor
Coastal wading bird with a distinctive long orange-red bill. Found on beaches and estuaries around New Zealand.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Spring-Summer
Eudyptula minor
The smallest penguin species globally, these 'little blue penguins' can occasionally be seen near the Kaikoura coastline, especially around dusk as they return to their burrows.
Best time: Year-round
Phalacrocorax varius
This large black and white shag is a proficient underwater hunter, using its feet for propulsion, and is often seen drying its wings on coastal perches.
Best time: Year-round