Last updated November 2026
The Kauri Dam Walk is a short DOC walk in Tangihua Forest that leads through regenerating bush to a viewing area above the remains of an old timber dam. The dam was used to flush logs down the stream in the early 1900s.
DOC grades the walk easy to intermediate and allows 20 minutes return for the 0.3 km track. The start is towards Tangihua Lions Lodge, with the entrance sign near the viewing platform and turnaround area.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Kauri Dam Walk on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Entrance sign near the viewing platform and turnaround area, on the way to Tangihua Lions Lodge
- Distance from the city
- About 26 km from Whangārei
- Walking time
- 20 minutes return
- Track length
- 0.3 km
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Dogs
- Dogs with DOC permit (hunting)
- Track type
- Walking track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Kauri Dam Walk
The first 5 minutes are flat, through regenerating forest. The track then drops into taller canopy trees, including tōtara, towai and tānekaha.
The final 2 minutes are steep and can be slippery when wet as the track descends to a tributary of the Pikiwahine Stream. It ends at a railing and viewing area above what is left of the timber dam.
DOC says the dam was used to flush logs down the stream in the early 1900s. It is a quick look at the logging history of Tangihua Forest and an easy add-on to a longer day in the area.
Getting to Tangihua Forest
Tangihua Forest lies about halfway between Whangārei on the east coast and Dargaville on the west. DOC says the best way in is from Omana Road, where the Tangihua access car park has room for 15 cars.
From the car park it is a 30-minute walk along a formed road to the bush line, then about another 15 minutes towards Tangihua Lions Lodge. Allow for this extra walking when planning your day.
Before You Go
DOC advises carrying plenty of water, as there is no water source in the forest, and being prepared for changeable weather. Check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
From locals
Is there anywhere to fill up my water bottle on the Kauri Dam Walk?
Are there any toilets near the start, or should I go before driving out?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Kauri Dam Walk?
The track is 0.3 km and DOC allows 20 minutes return.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it easy to intermediate, and the last 2 minutes are steep and slippery when wet.
What is the kauri dam?
The remains of an old timber dam used to flush logs down the stream in the early 1900s.
Where does it start?
Near the viewing platform and turnaround area on the way to Tangihua Lions Lodge. Look for the entrance sign.
How do I get there?
Access is from the Omana Road car park, then a 30-minute walk along a formed road to the bush line and about 15 minutes further.
Can I take my dog?
The DOC rule is dogs with a DOC permit (hunting) only.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Department of Conservation: Kauri Dam Walk: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
- MetService: forecasts and weather warnings before you head out.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.