Last updated October 2026
The Ruapekapeka Pā Track is a short, easy walk around Ruapekapeka Pā, which DOC describes as New Zealand’s best preserved land war battlefield. The tracks start at the signposted car park off Ruapekapeka Road, north of Whangārei, and lead to the British Camp site, the memorial grave of British soldiers and the pā itself.
DOC grades it as a wheelchair accessible short walk, allows about 30 minutes, and says it is suitable for buggies. The 1.5 km loop is wheelchair accessible, though DOC notes some sections may be more difficult than others.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Ruapekapeka Pā Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Signposted car park 300 m beyond the Ruapekapeka Road and Kawakawa Road intersection
- Distance from the city
- About 34 km from Whangārei in a straight line (DOC directions: 35 km north on SH1, then 4 km on Ruapekapeka Road)
- Walking time
- 30 minutes
- Track length
- 1.5 km loop
- Grade
- Wheelchair accessible short walk
- Access
- Suitable for buggies; wheelchair accessible with some steeper sections
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Short walk
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Ruapekapeka Pā Track
Heading north from the car park, the track passes a picnic area on the way to the British Camp site and the memorial grave of British soldiers. From there a loop drops down to cross the valley and returns towards the car park.
DOC notes this section is steeper and may be hard for unassisted wheelchair users, although there are no steps, so wheelchair users may prefer to return the way they came.
From above the car park, the track continues past the advanced British position, down through bush and up to the Ruapekapeka Pā site. You can also take this loop straight from the car park; DOC recommends wheelchair users keep to the upper track rather than the steeper bush track.
At the pā, the ditch and bank defences are still visible, along with a carronade used by Chief Kawiti and the earthen defences of the British forward position. DOC lists Ruapekapeka as a Tohu Whenua heritage site.
The History of Ruapekapeka
DOC explains that disagreement over the interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi led to armed conflict within five years of its signing in 1840. Fighting between British colonial forces and northern Māori in 1845 and 1846 ended with the battle of Ruapekapeka Pā.
Both sides drew lessons from it. DOC notes that Māori showed they could take on the British army, and the British realised they would need a much larger force. The design of the pā proved very effective against British muskets and heavy artillery.
Getting There and Visiting
From Whangārei, follow State Highway 1 north for 35 km. Just past the Towai service station, turn right into Ruapekapeka Road and follow it for 4 km. The car park is 300 m beyond the intersection with Kawakawa Road. DOC warns that the road is unsealed and narrow in places, and says the car park can easily take campervans.
Eating and drinking are not permitted on the pā site. Stay out of the pits and tunnels, which are easily damaged and potentially unstable, and supervise children. Check DOC before you go.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Ruapekapeka Pā Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Far North District Council: local roads, parks and reserves in the Far North district.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Ruapekapeka Pā Track take?
DOC allows about 30 minutes.
Is it suitable for buggies and wheelchairs?
DOC says it is suitable for buggies and wheelchair accessible, but some sections are steeper. Wheelchair users are advised to take the upper track.
Where is the car park?
Off Ruapekapeka Road, 300 m beyond its intersection with Kawakawa Road. Turn off State Highway 1 just past the Towai service station.
What happened at Ruapekapeka?
It was the site of the battle that ended the 1845–1846 conflict between British colonial forces and northern Māori.
What can I see on site?
The pā earthworks, a carronade used by Chief Kawiti, the British Camp site, the British forward position and a memorial grave.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC lists the track as no dogs.
Can I eat on the site?
No eating or drinking is permitted on the pā site. There is a picnic area near the start of the track.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
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.