Whangaroa Harbour is breathtaking! Sheer grey rock formations tower over sapphire waters. Pristine nooks and coves hide around each corner. Little or no commercialization or baches. Just gorgeous nature.
Most of Whangaroa Harbour is only accessible by boat, but there is one track that snakes its way into the inner sanctum of this amazing landscape. The Wairaku track is a 90-minute tramping track that begins in Totara North, heads up and over a ridge, then descends to the Wairaku stream to finish at Lane Cove. At Lane Cove, on this remote arm of the harbour, you’ll find a DOC hut built at the water’s edge. An idyllic location…swim out the front door, have a rinse in the outdoor showers, build a fire in the BBQ. Busy on weekends with boaters, but weekdays mean solitude. To book a spot in the 16-bed cottage call the Kerikeri DOC office at 09-407-8474.
From the cottage a steep tramp climbs “Duke’s Nose.” This “nose” is a spectacular rock promontory overlooking the pristine harbour. The 25-minute track is difficult and requires a bit of rock-climbing near the top, but believe me, the views are worth it!
To find the Wairaku track start, turn north off Totara North road onto Campbell road (1km before road-end) then head 500m to the track sign and find a spot to park.
