Last updated November 2026
The Te Haua Uru Track climbs from Tangihua Lions Lodge through podocarp and broadleaf forest to a grove of large kauri, then on up to the main ridge of Tangihua Forest. DOC grades it Advanced and gives 3 hours 45 minutes one way from the car park to the ridge junction.
The track itself is about 3.3 km. Day walkers can easily go as far as Kauri Grove, where a circular viewing platform sits among the big trees. Beyond that, the track climbs steeply and links with the Main Ridge and Horokaka tracks in 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 Te Haua Uru Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Tangihua Lions Lodge (from the Omana Road access car park)
- Distance from the city
- About 25 km from Whangārei
- Walking time
- 3 hours 45 minutes one way from the car park to the ridge junction
- Track length
- 3.3 km
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- Dogs with DOC permit (hunting)
- 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 Te Haua Uru Track
From Tangihua Lions Lodge you walk past the orientation course and clearings into the bush. DOC asks walkers to keep off the orientation course equipment, which belongs to the Lions Lodge Trust for its guests.
The track crosses a stream on a small bridge and meets the Tumanako Track. Signs then direct you along the stream for about 20 minutes before crossing it and climbing through mixed podocarp and broadleaf forest. Within another 20 minutes you reach Kauri Grove and its large kauri trees.
From Kauri Grove the track climbs steeply to the ridge junction. Here the Main Ridge Track leads to the Horokaka Transmitter and the Northern Tangihua Track leads to Tangihua Hut, each an extra 2–3 hours of strenuous tramping.
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.
Kauri Grove Viewing Platform
The viewing platform stands among large kauri as part of the work to protect them. DOC explains that its circular design, 5.2 m across, is based on the trunk size of Te Matua Ngahere in Waipoua Forest, the widest and second largest living kauri in New Zealand.
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.
Hazards
DOC warns of unbridged river crossings; do not attempt them in flood conditions. The ridge is exposed to rough weather, there are steep drops in places, and wasps may be present. Keep to the marked tracks.
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, then about another 15 minutes to Tangihua Lions Lodge, which DOC describes as a good orientation point for the forest’s tracks.
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: Te Haua Uru 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 Te Haua Uru Track take?
DOC gives 3 hours 45 minutes one way from the car park to the ridge junction.
Can day walkers do part of it?
Yes. DOC says day walkers can easily walk as far as Kauri Grove.
What is at Kauri Grove?
Large kauri trees and a 5.2 m circular viewing platform modelled on the trunk of Te Matua Ngahere.
How hard is the full track?
DOC grades it Advanced. Above Kauri Grove it climbs steeply, and the loop with the Main Ridge and Horokaka tracks is for experienced trampers only.
Are there river crossings?
Yes. DOC notes unbridged river crossings that should not be attempted in flood.
Does it lead to a hut?
From the ridge junction, the Northern Tangihua Track leads to Tangihua Hut in a further 2–3 hours.
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.