Last updated November 2026
The Northern Tangihua Track is an advanced DOC tramping route in Tangihua Forest that runs north from the junction of the Te Haua Uru and Main Ridge tracks to Tangihua Hut, a DOC hut.
DOC allows 2–3 hours one way for the 7.8 km track, and about 2.5 to 3 hours from the junction to the hut. DOC says access is via the Te Haua Uru Track or the Main Ridge Track. DOC says trampers need a high degree of skill, route-finding ability and topographical maps.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Northern Tangihua Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Junction of the Te Haua Uru and Main Ridge tracks
- Distance from the city
- About 25 km from Whangārei
- Walking time
- 2–3 hours one way (2.5 to 3 hours from the junction to the hut)
- Track length
- 7.8 km
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- Dogs with DOC permit (hunting); no dogs or firearms on the private land to Tangihua Road
- Huts
- Tangihua Hut (DOC, 8-bunk standard hut)
- 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 Northern Tangihua Track
The track starts high in Tangihua Forest, at the junction of the Te Haua Uru and Main Ridge tracks, and heads north along the range to Tangihua Hut.
Because you have to climb to the junction first, a trip to the hut is a full day. DOC’s hut page says the route from Tangihua Lions Lodge via the Te Haua Uru Track and Northern Tangihua Track takes 8–9 hours.
Beyond the hut the route continues to Tangihua Road, about 1.5 hours further. The land between the forest and Tangihua Road is private, and DOC says you must get the landowner’s permission to cross it.
Tangihua Hut
Tangihua Hut is an eight-bunk DOC standard hut. DOC lists fees of $15 per night for adults (18+), $7.50 for youth (5–17) and free for children 0–4.
Buy Backcountry Hut Tickets before you go and put them in the honesty box, or use a Backcountry Hut Pass. Check the DOC hut page for current fees and any changes to how tickets are sold.
DOC notes there are no fires at the hut, and hunting in the forest is by permit only.
Crossing Private Land
To exit via Tangihua Road you need permission from the landowner. DOC says to contact 0800 ASK DOC (0800 275 362) for the landowner’s details. No dogs or firearms are allowed on that private property.
Hazards
There is no water source in the forest, so carry your own. The ridge is exposed to rough weather, there are steep drops, strenuous climbs and unbridged river crossings that should not be attempted in flood. Wasps may be present. Stay on the marked tracks.
Planning Your Trip
This is backcountry tramping. Check DOC before you go for alerts and track updates, check the forecast, and tell someone your plans. Plan My Walk is a handy way to plan the trip and share your intentions.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Northern Tangihua Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Plan My Walk: plan your trip, check the forecast and share your intentions with someone you trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reach Tangihua Hut?
DOC allows about 2.5 to 3 hours from the Te Haua Uru and Main Ridge junction, and 8–9 hours from Tangihua Lions Lodge.
How hard is the Northern Tangihua Track?
DOC grades it Advanced. You need tramping experience, route-finding skills and topographical maps.
Do I need to book Tangihua Hut?
DOC says to buy Backcountry Hut Tickets before you go and put them in the honesty box, or use a Backcountry Hut Pass. Check the DOC hut page for current details.
How many bunks does the hut have?
DOC lists Tangihua Hut as an eight-bunk standard hut.
Can I walk out to Tangihua Road?
Yes, about 1.5 hours beyond the hut, but only with the landowner’s permission. Contact 0800 ASK DOC for details.
Is there water on the track?
DOC says there is no water source in the forest, so carry your own.
Can I take my dog?
The DOC rule in the forest is dogs with a DOC permit (hunting) only. Dogs are not allowed on the private land to Tangihua Road.
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.