Last updated November 2026
The Horokaka Track is a challenging DOC tramping track in Tangihua Forest that climbs onto an old logging road and follows the ridge to the Horokaka Transmitter.
DOC grades it Advanced and allows 3 hours 45 minutes one way for the 4.6 km track, with strenuous climbing. It starts just inside the bush line to the right of the road, 30 minutes’ walk from the Omana Road car park. Together with the Main Ridge and Te Haua Uru tracks it forms a 9-hour loop for experienced trampers.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Horokaka Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Just inside the bush line, to the right of the road from the Omana Road access car park
- Distance from the city
- About 24 km from Whangārei
- Walking time
- 3 hours 45 minutes one way (about 3 hours from the bush edge to the Transmitter service road)
- Track length
- 4.6 km
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- Dogs with DOC permit (hunting)
- Water
- No water source in the forest; carry your own
- 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 Horokaka Track
The track climbs onto an old logging road, then heads up the ridge towards the Horokaka Transmitter. It is rough going through thick vegetation, and although the distance is short, DOC warns the ridge is very undulating and progress is slow.
DOC allows 3 hours from the bush edge to the end of the track at the Transmitter service road. From there you can walk up the road to the Transmitter for the views, which DOC calls very rewarding on a clear day. The Main Ridge Track starts behind the Transmitter shed.
If you want a shorter outing, the Whakapono and Tumanako tracks branch off the Horokaka Track and loop back to Tangihua Lions Lodge.
DOC notes that the tracks and routes in Tangihua Forest pass sites of cultural and spiritual significance to the Parawhau Ngāpuhi people, and asks trampers to stay on the marked tracks.
Who It Suits
DOC says the Horokaka, Main Ridge and Te Haua Uru loop should only be tackled by experienced trampers. Expect razorback ridges, a lack of handholds, steep drops and strenuous climbing. You need a high degree of skill and experience, route-finding ability, good gear and topographical maps.
Weather, Water and Hazards
There is no water source in the forest, so carry all you need. The ridge is exposed to rough weather, so bring warm and waterproof tramping gear. Watch your footing, stay on the marked tracks, and be aware that wasps may be present.
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. DOC says the Horokaka Track starts just inside the bush line, to the right of the road.
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: Horokaka 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 the Horokaka Track take?
DOC allows 3 hours 45 minutes one way, or about 3 hours from the bush edge to the Transmitter service road.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced, with strenuous climbing and slow, undulating travel along the ridge.
Where does it start?
Just inside the bush line, to the right of the road, about 30 minutes’ walk from the Omana Road car park.
Is there a shorter option?
Yes. The Whakapono and Tumanako tracks branch off and loop back to Tangihua Lions Lodge.
Can I do a loop?
Experienced trampers can link the Horokaka, Main Ridge and Te Haua Uru tracks in a loop of about 9 hours.
Is there water?
No. DOC says there is no water source in the forest.
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.
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.