Last updated November 2026
The Puriri Track is one of the bush walks in Mimiwhangata Coastal Park on Northland’s east coast, climbing to a ridge with wide views over the Mimiwhangata peninsula and out to the Poor Knights Islands.
DOC grades it easy to intermediate and allows 2 hours 30 minutes return for the 4.5 km track. It starts on the right-hand side of the road as you drive into the park. From the top you can return the way you came or drop down to the coast and walk back to the car park along the beach.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Puriri Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Right-hand side of the road as you head into Mimiwhangata Coastal Park
- Distance from the city
- About 31 km from Whangārei in a straight line (DOC gives 48 km to the park)
- Walking time
- 2 hours 30 minutes return
- Track length
- 4.5 km
- 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 Puriri Track
After crossing the fence and a stream, the track is clearly marked and heads straight for the bush. It climbs quite steeply up the side of the valley on a clay surface, through mostly mānuka and regenerating tānekaha.
Near the top of the ridge the views open up across the peninsula and out to sea towards the Poor Knights Islands. This is the highlight of the walk and a good place to pause.
You can retrace your steps, or carry on down to the coast and loop back to the car park along the beach. The park is home to recovering bird and marine species.
DOC notes that brown kiwi and moreporks are often heard at night, and that the wetlands near the farm tracks support the rare brown teal (pāteke), spotless crake and bittern.
Getting to Mimiwhangata
DOC puts Mimiwhangata Coastal Park about an hour’s drive from Whangārei (48 km) and 52 km from Russell. Take the old Whangārei to Russell coastal road, turn off at Helena Bay and continue on Webb Road.
After Teal Bay the road is unsealed, narrow and winding, and DOC says it is unsuitable for towing caravans. Mimiwhangata Coastal Road comes after the Ngahau Bay turn-off.
Track Conditions
DOC warns there are unbridged river crossings, and says not to attempt them in flood conditions. Wasps and wasp nests may be present.
Park Rules
Mimiwhangata includes farmland as well as coastal reserve. Use stiles where provided, leave gates as you find them, avoid disturbing stock and watch for farm hazards, including some electric fences.
No fires are allowed anywhere in the park or on the beach, camping is only permitted at Waikahoa Bay, and overnight campervan stays are not allowed. DOC notes there is no cellphone coverage.
Check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Puriri Track take?
DOC allows 2 hours 30 minutes return.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it easy to intermediate, and the clay track climbs quite steeply up the valley side.
Where does it start?
On the right-hand side of the road as you head into Mimiwhangata Coastal Park.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC lists no dogs, and the park has a no pets rule.
What are the views like?
From near the top of the ridge you look over the Mimiwhangata peninsula and out towards the Poor Knights Islands.
Can I make it a loop?
Yes. From the ridge you can head down to the coast and return to the car park via the beach.
Are there river crossings?
Yes. DOC notes unbridged river crossings and says not to attempt them in flood conditions.
Can I camp at Mimiwhangata?
DOC says camping is only permitted at Waikahoa Bay, and overnight campervan stays are not allowed.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Department of Conservation: Puriri 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.