Last updated November 2026
The Whakapono and Tumanako tracks make a loop in Tangihua Forest, west of Whangārei, climbing from Tangihua Lions Lodge to the forest ridge and back.
DOC grades them easy to intermediate and gives 1 hour 15 minutes one way for Whakapono, 1 hour 25 minutes one way for Tumanako, and 2 hours 30 minutes for the full loop return from the car park.
DOC suggests planning on about 2–3 hours if you want to finish the whole loop. It makes a pleasant half day out, and the ridge junctions also link to longer tramping tracks.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Whakapono and Tumanako tracks on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Tangihua Lions Lodge, reached from the Omana Road Tangihua access car park
- Distance from the city
- About 25 km from Whangārei
- Walking time
- Whakapono 1 hr 15 min one way; Tumanako 1 hr 25 min one way; loop 2 hr 30 min return from the car park
- Track length
- About 2.4 km
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Dogs
- Dogs with DOC permit (hunting)
- Water
- No water source in the forest; carry your own
- 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 the Whakapono and Tumanako Tracks
The Whakapono Track leaves just inside the bush line at Tangihua Lions Lodge and heads up a spur to the ridge. There it meets the Horokaka Track, and a little further along the ridge you reach the junction with the Tumanako Track.
To complete the loop, take the Tumanako Track back down the hill to the lodge. If you want a longer day, DOC notes you can carry on along the Horokaka Track or the Te Haua Uru Track instead, both of which are graded Advanced.
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 towards Tangihua Lions Lodge. Allow for this extra walking when planning your day.
Weather and Water
DOC warns there is no water source in the forest, so carry plenty to drink. Weather here can change quickly and the ridge is exposed to rough conditions, so pack warm and waterproof layers even on a fine day. Check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
From locals
Is the ridge exposed if the weather turns?
How steep is the climb up the spur to the ridge? Any bits that are hard going?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Whakapono and Tumanako loop take?
DOC gives 2 hours 30 minutes return from the car park for the loop, and suggests planning on 2–3 hours.
Where does the loop start?
At Tangihua Lions Lodge. From the Omana Road car park, walk 30 minutes along a formed road to the bush line and about 15 minutes more to the lodge.
How hard is it?
DOC grades both tracks easy to intermediate, with a climb up a spur to the ridge.
Can I take my dog?
The DOC rule is dogs with a DOC permit (hunting) only.
Is there water on the track?
No. DOC says there is no water source in the forest, so bring plenty.
Can I make it a longer walk?
Yes. From the ridge you can continue on the Horokaka Track or the Te Haua Uru Track, which are Advanced tramping tracks.
How much parking is there?
DOC says the Omana Road Tangihua access car park has room for 15 cars.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Department of Conservation: Whakapono and Tumanako tracks: 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.