Last updated November 2026
The Paparahi Reserve Access Track is a short DOC walk into Paparahi Point Recreation Reserve, a hidden corner of the Mimiwhangata area that DOC says is great for exploring with children.
The track heads north along the beachfront from the car park at the end of Ngahau Bay Road, then climbs along the bush edge onto farmland. DOC grades it easy to intermediate and allows 15 minutes for the 500 m track. Once inside the reserve there are no formed tracks, and you are free to roam.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Paparahi Reserve Access Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Car park at the end of Ngahau Bay Road, off Webb Road
- Distance from the city
- About 32 km from Whangārei in a straight line (DOC gives approximately 45 km north of Whangārei)
- Walking time
- 15 minutes
- Track length
- 500 m
- 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 Paparahi Reserve Access Track
From Ngahau Bay the track follows the beach north. At the end of the beach it climbs the slope along the edge of the bush and continues onto farmland before entering the reserve.
Paparahi Reserve has no marked tracks, so take a moment to get your bearings. Mature pōhutukawa line the coast, and large pūriri and karaka are scattered through the grassy paddocks. DOC notes abundant birdlife, and the nearby Mimiwhangata Marine Park supports a rich variety of marine life around the rocky shore, beaches and small offshore islands.
DOC says the views from the high ground at the back of the pā at Paparahi Point are truly remarkable on a fine day.
History of Paparahi Point
The reserve and the surrounding coast have a long history of Māori occupation. DOC records that the pā at Paparahi Point was once the preserve of the chief Wehiwehi and was known for its very strong defences.
Steep cliffs surrounded it, and the only land access was across a narrow causeway and along a cut path that left attackers exposed. A smaller pā sits on Boat Shed Point, where a stand of tōtara grows.
Before You Go
DOC warns of cliff edges and the danger of falling, so supervise children closely. Keep within the reserve and respect private property. Parts of the reserve are grazed, so leave gates as you find them and respect the livestock.
No fires are allowed, and Northland reserve bylaws and Mimiwhangata Marine Park regulations apply. Check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Paparahi Reserve Access Track?
DOC gives 500 m and allows 15 minutes.
Where does it start?
At the car park at the end of Ngahau Bay Road, off Webb Road on the way to Mimiwhangata.
Is it good for children?
DOC describes the reserve as great for exploring with children, but warns of cliff edges, so keep a close eye on them.
Are there tracks inside the reserve?
No. Once in Paparahi Reserve there are no formed or marked tracks, so make sure you know where you are.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC lists the track as no dogs.
Can I take shellfish or fish here?
The reserve sits beside Mimiwhangata Marine Park, where DOC says marine life cannot be taken. Check the marine park regulations before you go.
What is special about Paparahi Point?
It holds a strongly defended historic pā with remarkable views from the high ground behind it.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Department of Conservation: Paparahi Reserve Access 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.