Last updated November 2026
The Tohumoana Lookout Track climbs to the high point of Tohumoana in Mimiwhangata Coastal Park, with panoramic views of Mimiwhangata, the coast and the Poor Knights Islands.
DOC grades it easy to intermediate and allows 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours return for the 4 km track. It is signposted from the saddle of the road that leads over to Mimiwhangata Beach. From the lookout you can return along the ridge or drop down to Waikahoa Beach.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Tohumoana Lookout Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Signposted from the saddle of the road over to Mimiwhangata Beach
- Distance from the city
- About 32 km from Whangārei in a straight line (DOC gives 48 km to the park)
- Walking time
- 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours return
- Track length
- 4 km
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Dogs
- No dogs
- 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 Tohumoana Lookout Track
The track heads up to the top of Tohumoana, and DOC says the panoramic views from the summit make the effort worthwhile. On a clear day you can see along the coast and out to the Poor Knights Islands.
You have two ways back. One follows the ridge; the other drops steeply to Waikahoa Bay through mānuka and some large pōhutukawa before coming out on the beach.
The park is home to recovering bird and marine species. DOC notes that brown kiwi and moreporks are often heard at night, and that the wetlands near the farm tracks support the rare brown teal (pāteke), spotless crake and bittern.
DOC asks that dogs stay out of the park because they threaten nesting shorebirds, brown teal and kiwi, and disturb farm animals.
Getting to Mimiwhangata
DOC puts Mimiwhangata Coastal Park about an hour’s drive from Whangārei (48 km) and 52 km from Russell. Take the old Whangārei to Russell coastal road, turn off at Helena Bay and continue on Webb Road.
After Teal Bay the road is unsealed, narrow and winding, and DOC says it is unsuitable for towing caravans. Mimiwhangata Coastal Road comes after the Ngahau Bay turn-off.
Park Rules
Mimiwhangata includes farmland as well as coastal reserve. Use stiles where provided, leave gates as you find them, avoid disturbing stock and watch for farm hazards, including some electric fences.
No fires are allowed anywhere in the park or on the beach, camping is only permitted at Waikahoa Bay, and overnight campervan stays are not allowed. DOC notes there is no cellphone coverage.
Check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Tohumoana Lookout Track take?
DOC allows 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours return.
Where does the track start?
It is signposted from the saddle of the road that leads over to Mimiwhangata Beach.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it easy to intermediate. The route down from the lookout to Waikahoa Bay is quite steep.
What can I see from the lookout?
Panoramic views of Mimiwhangata, the coastline and the Poor Knights Islands.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC says dogs threaten nesting shorebirds, brown teal and kiwi.
Can I return via the beach?
Yes. You can come back along the ridge or descend to Waikahoa Beach.
Can I camp nearby?
DOC says camping is only permitted at Waikahoa Bay.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Department of Conservation: Tohumoana Lookout Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
- Northland Regional Council: regional information for Northland, including water quality and environmental notices.
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.