Last updated November 2026
The Tangihua Forest Nature Walk is a family-friendly DOC walk through native forest in Tangihua Forest, about halfway between Whangārei and Dargaville. It leaves the driveway in from the car park just inside the bush line and follows an old logging track, with the stumps of kauri felled long ago along the way.
DOC grades it easy to intermediate and allows 1 hour 5 minutes one way for the 0.6 km track. At the far end it rejoins the driveway, where you can head back to the car park or carry on to Tangihua Lions Lodge.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Tangihua Forest Nature Walk on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- The driveway in from the Omana Road car park, just inside the bush line
- Distance from the city
- About 25 km from Whangārei
- Walking time
- 1 hour 5 minutes one way
- Track length
- 0.6 km
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Dogs
- Dogs with DOC permit (hunting)
- 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 Tangihua Forest Nature Walk
The walk climbs from the driveway onto an old logging track. Follow the track markers through the native forest and watch for the stumps of kauri that were logged in the past, a reminder of the forest’s timber history.
When the track meets the driveway again, turn left to return to the car park or right to reach Tangihua Lions Lodge. DOC also notes the Nature Walk runs between Lodge Road and the Horokaka Track, so it connects with the wider track network in the forest.
DOC describes it as a family friendly nature walk.
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, where the Nature Walk leaves the driveway. Allow for this extra walking when planning your day.
Before You Go
DOC warns that wasps and wasp nests may be present in this area. Check DOC before you go for any alerts and tell someone your plans.
From locals
Is there anything to watch out for on the Tangihua Nature Walk?
Is the track OK for a pram, or is it too rough from the old logging surface?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Tangihua Forest Nature Walk take?
DOC allows 1 hour 5 minutes one way.
Is it suitable for children?
DOC describes it as a family-friendly nature walk and grades it easy to intermediate.
Where does it start?
From the driveway in from the car park, just inside the bush line in Tangihua Forest.
How do I get to Tangihua Forest?
DOC says the best access is from Omana Road. From the car park it is a 30-minute walk along a formed road to the bush line.
Can I take my dog?
The DOC rule is dogs with a DOC permit (hunting) only.
What will I see?
Native forest, an old logging track and the stumps of kauri logged in the past.
Does it link to other tracks?
Yes. It runs between Lodge Road and the Horokaka Track, and the driveway leads on to Tangihua Lions Lodge.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Department of Conservation: Tangihua Forest Nature Walk: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
- MetService: forecasts and weather warnings before you head out.
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.