Last updated November 2026
The Morepork Track follows an old logging road over the inland ridges of Kaiikanui Forest, north of Whangārei near Mimiwhangata. DOC grades it Advanced and allows about 2 hours for the 4.2 km (one way) track, which starts at the western end of Kaiikanui Road.
A steep final climb leads to a grassy high point at 218 m with spectacular views to the coast and the Poor Knights Islands.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Morepork Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Western end of Kaiikanui Road
- Distance from the city
- About 29 km from Whangārei in a straight line (DOC gives approximately 45 km north of Whangārei)
- Walking time
- 2 hours
- Track length
- 4.2 km one way
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Tramping 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 Morepork Track
From the Kaiikanui Road entrance, the track follows a well-formed old roadway. It then sidles into the bush and follows a fenceline for much of the way down into a gully.
From the gully it climbs steeply to a cleared, grassy high point at 218 m. DOC describes spectacular views from here out to the coast and the Poor Knights Islands.
The forest was opened up for logging around 1900, and the track follows a road formed then to reach the densely forested ridges and valleys. DOC notes that before that, Māori used these same ridges to travel between coastal settlements and the interior, and sections of the track follow those early trails.
Getting There
DOC says Kaiikanui Road can be reached from the north through Helena Bay, or via Pigs Head Road off Whananaki North Road at Opuawhanga. It is a narrow, winding dirt road, so drive with care.
Te Araroa Walkers
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s track page said the section leading to Whananaki from the track junction is closed and there is no through access to Whananaki for Te Araroa walkers. Check DOC and Te Araroa trail notes for the current route.
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. DOC notes wasps and wasp nests may be present.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Morepork 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 Morepork Track take?
DOC allows about 2 hours for the 4.2 km (one way) track.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced, with a steep climb to the 218 m high point.
Where does it start?
At the western end of Kaiikanui Road, reached via Helena Bay or Pigs Head Road.
Can I walk through to Whananaki?
Not when we checked on 18 October 2026. DOC’s track page said the section to Whananaki from the track junction is closed, with no through access for Te Araroa walkers.
What are the views like?
From the grassy high point there are spectacular views to the coast and the Poor Knights Islands.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC lists the track as no dogs.
What is the road like?
DOC warns Kaiikanui Road is a narrow, winding dirt 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.