Last updated November 2026
The Whangaruru North Head walking tracks start from Puriri Bay. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC listed these tracks as closed: “Whangaruru North Head walking tracks are closed due to storm damage.” Check the DOC page for the latest before you plan a visit.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC also had an alert for the Whangaruru North Head Scenic Reserve area: “Puriri Bay Campsite and access road is closed due to storm damage.” DOC said the road was being repaired and the campsite would reopen on Friday 23 October for Labour Weekend.
When open, these interlinked tracks start from the popular Puriri Bay campsite and wind through native forest and along ridgelines to secluded bays such as Admirals Bay. DOC grades them easy to intermediate, with options from 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes and a full loop of 6 km.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Whangaruru North Head walking tracks on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Status
- Closed when checked on 18 October 2026 (storm damage). Check DOC for reopening.
- Start
- Puriri Bay campsite and amenity area
- Distance from the city
- About 40 km from Whangārei
- Walking time
- Full loop 2 hr 30 min; northern loop 1 hr 30 min; southern loop 1 hr 30 min
- Track length
- 6 km loop
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Walking track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- 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 Whangaruru North Head Walking Tracks
Whangaruru North Head Scenic Reserve sits just inside the mouth of Whangaruru Harbour on Northland’s east coast. From the campsite at Puriri Bay, a series of linked walks climbs through native forest to ridgelines with panoramic views over the harbour and the open coast.
The tracks then drop down into secluded bays. DOC mentions Admirals Bay as one suited to swimming and snorkelling.
DOC describes three options: a full loop of about 2 hours 30 minutes and 6 km, and northern and southern loops of about 1 hour 30 minutes and 4 km each.
Track Closure
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC listed the tracks as closed due to storm damage. Do not use them while the closure is in place, and check the DOC page for updates before you travel.
Getting There and Before You Go
Puriri Bay is about halfway between Whangārei and Russell. DOC says the turn-off to Whangaruru North is at Ngaiotonga on the old Whangārei to Russell coastal road.
When the tracks reopen, be aware that they pass through regenerating bush and farmland where DOC says wasps and wasp nests are prevalent. Tell someone your plans.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Whangaruru North Head walking tracks: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Far North District Council: local roads, parks and reserves in the Far North district.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Whangaruru North Head walking tracks open?
Not when we checked on 18 October 2026. DOC listed them as closed due to storm damage. Check the DOC page for updates.
Where do the tracks start?
From the campsite and amenity area at Puriri Bay.
How long are the walks?
DOC gives a full loop of 2 hours 30 minutes (about 6 km) and northern and southern loops of 1 hour 30 minutes (about 4 km) each.
How hard are they?
DOC grades the tracks easy to intermediate.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC lists the tracks as no dogs.
How do I get to Puriri Bay?
Turn off to Whangaruru North at Ngaiotonga on the old Whangārei to Russell coastal road.
Is there a beach on the walk?
Yes. The tracks drop to secluded bays, including Admirals Bay.
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.