Four local walks to wander during winter

Published on 17 July 2024

Is there anything better than blowing out the cobwebs with a brisk winter walk? If you’re ready to stretch your legs and get out and about in Whangārei, here are four of our favourite local tracks. 

1) The Hātea Loop/Huarahi O Te Whai

It’s a local must-do for a reason – there’s no beating the Hātea Loop on a beautiful winter’s day. Whether you’re off for a run, chasing kids on bikes, walk and talking with friends, or making your way to one of the fantastic restaurants, this 4.2km path will tick your boxes. 

You’ll find people donning their running shoes regardless of the weather, but if it does start to rain, it's an easy detour to Claphams National Clock Muesum, the Hundertwasser Art Centre or one of the local retailers.

Need to know:

• 4.2km loop, approximately 1 hour.
• Fully accessible for mobility aids and pushchairs
• Parking is plentiful, whether at the Town Basin (via Lower Dent Street), Pohe Island (via Riverside Drive) or Bascule Carpark (via Port Road). 

2) Taheke Falls and Loop Track

While Otuihau Whangārei Falls may be our most photographed waterfall, Taheke Falls boasts the honour of being Northland’s highest.

If you’re looking for a gentle walk, follow the signs to the viewing platform. For a longer adventure, keep walking straight at the marked signs, and enjoy the beautiful 3km loop trail that heads up the ridge and explores the surrounding native forest (including magnificent kauri trees). 

Some of the loop track may be slippery and muddy after heavy rain, particularly in some downhill sections.

Need to know:

• Parking is on Hoban Road. From there, walk along the gravel road until you cross the ford. The path starts on the right. Don’t cross after heavy rain.
• 3km loop track, allow two hours.
• No dogs
• There is no access to the bottom of the falls

3) Tūtūkākā Lighthouse

Embark on an invigorating winter adventure along the Tūtūkākā Coast, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean.

Drive to the end of Landowners Lane and park at the carpark for the Tūtūkākā Head Track. From here, follow the grassy path through lush native plantings, descending to the beach via 100+ steps and a rocky causeway.

Cross the beach and hike to the summit of Kukutauwhao Island. You’ll wind through stands of native bush to reach the pinnacle and the Tūtūkākā lighthouse, with panoramic views of the surrounding ocean.

The track to the top of Kukutauwhao Island can steep and challenging in parts, so may be slippery after rain. The beach is still a great place to explore at low tide.

Need to know:

• 2km return, approximately 1 hour.
• Exercise caution around steep cliffs. The climb to the lighthouse may be slippery and muddy after rain.
• Only crossable at low tide, so check tide schedules beforehand.
• Young children may find the climb to the lighthouse difficult.
• No dogs allowed.

4) A H Reed Memorial Park

If short and sweet is right up your alley, head to A H Reed Memorial Park. With 500-year-old kauri trees, quiet streams and a canopy boardwalk that meanders through the treetops, this is a fantastic walk for families.

Stick to the 1.4km loop, or continue your journey through to Paranui Falls, Otuihau Whangārei Falls or back through to Mair Park via Whareora Road—the choice is yours.

Kids love the canopy boardwalk, so this is a great option if you need to get out of the house! 

Need to know:

• 1.4km loop walk 
• No dogs allowed
• Sections of the track are not suitable for pushchairs or mobility aids