Hatea River Walks

The complete walk, from the Town Basin along the Hatea River to Whangarei Falls - Otuihau, will take approximately three hours one way. Follow the river through forest and farmland, cross bridges and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of our beautiful natural forest.

This walk passes through the Parihaka Scenic Reserves, a Green Flag Award Winner 2012/13 - an international award for the best parks and green spaces.

You can start at either end and parking is available at both. If you start at the Whangarei Falls - Otuihau end, you travel mostly, gently downhill.

You also have the option of doing parts of the track, with parking, and entries and exits available at multiple points.

PART A: TOWN BASIN TO MAIR PARK

If you start at the Town Basin ensure your vehicle is parked in an area that allows enough time for your walk.

Cross the Victoria Bridge and turn directly left onto Elliot Reserve where a short boardwalk leads through the mangroves on the edge of the Hatea River.

Following track markers, with the sign of the tuna (eel) the walk continues to the left up Ewing Road and turns right behind the last house in the street. The path leads between houses, over a small stream and up a rise onto Vale Road. Turn left, continue to the end of the road and follow the metal path into Parihaka Forest. The bridge to Mair Park is on the left.

Town Basin to Eliott Reserve: 10 mins one way
Elliot Reserve to Mair Park: 30min one way

PART B: MAIR PARK TO AH REED

After crossing the Hatea River at the Mair Park Bridge, continue along the river bank to Whareora Road.

At Whareora Road, the track follows the footpath on the eastern side of the road. The track crosses to the western side of the road along the grassy bank of the stream up to the car park at AH Reed Memorial Park.

• Mair Park to Whareora Road: 35min one way
• Whareora Road to AH Reed Memorial Park: 10min one way

PART C: AH REED MEMORIAL KAURI PARK TO WHANGAREI FALLS

The walk between the Park and the waterfall follows the Hatea River, has many freshwater swimming holes, and also grassed picnic spots.  It is a popular walking and running track for many locals.

The track departs from the Elizabeth Track and is an easy stroll through pasture and forest, arriving at the base of the Whangarei Falls.

A short walk up a zig-zag path on either side of the waterfall brings you to Whangarei Falls Reserve.

Source: WhangareiNZ.com