Duke's Nose Track

Duke's Nose Track

(Kairara Rocks)

Duke's Nose Track

6 Rankers Reviews

2 Face-to-Face

2 Kaeo

Your Nature Guide

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Marios Gavalas

Author And Researcher

Nau mai, haere mai

Nau mai, haere mai

I'm Marios, delivering the best of Aotearoa's nature walks to your device.

I've personally walked hundreds of New Zealand's tracks and spent months in libraries uncovering interesting information on New Zealand/Aotearoa. And you'll find a slice of that research on this page - enjoy!

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Photos

Duke's Nose commands fine views of Whangaroa Harbour

Information

Duke's Nose Track

500 m one-way | 45 minutes one-way

Read this description with Wairakau Stream Track, as it makes a great overnighter if you like. Getting up the Duke’s Nose is tricky, but once your on the top, it’s a special place to be. The top of the bluffs have been weathered to form bulbous pedestals, ready to topple at any moment. The Duke’s nose is one such example. Waterfalls cascade over the cliffs and rock pinnacles tower over the headlands between coves. This is a unique Tolkienesque landscape.

Walking Track

Access

The start of the track is signposted from Lane Cove Hut.

Track

The track is marked with orange triangles and climbs steadily through forest for 25 minutes.

The final few metres involve climbing the near-vertical rock face to the summit. The matrix of stones in the rock allows for hand and foot holds to be located, but you must be capable of basic rock climbing to attempt this walk.

Geology

The track leads to Pekapeka Bay, a many tentacled inlet of Whangaroa Harbour. Towering bluffs and vertical cliff faces protrude through the forested valleys. The landscape resembles a miniature fiord. Turquoise waters blend with mangrove forests at the base of the cliffs, from where the lush forest climbs the valley sides.

The top of the bluffs have been weathered to form bulbous pedestals, ready to topple at any moment. The Duke’s nose is one such example. Waterfalls cascade over the cliffs and rock pinnacles tower over the headlands between coves. This is a unique Tolkienesque landscape.

Details

Feature Value Info

Organisation

DOC Northland

Central government organisation

Location

North IslandNorthlandKaeo

Categories

  • Activity__walking_and_trekkingWalking
  • Free

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-35.0382416739227

173.719502080187

Latitude
-35.0382416739227
Longitude
173.719502080187

Nearby

Reviews

    • My favourite hike in Northland.
    • Awesome hike - good distance and great views!
    • Gorgeous views 360 degrees from the top.
    Rating Count Percentage
    10/10 4
    67%
    9/10 1
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  • 4.0/5

    Beautiful walk through forest but it worth noting that the track described here is from the hut not the car park.

    To walk from car park to Kairara rock it would take approx 2.5 hours one way

    Reviewed over 2 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    A-ma-zing hike, a-ma-zing views, easily completed within the time estimates.

    Mainly last bit (15 mins) up Dukes Nose poses some challenges but can be conquered with some persevation and average condition. Make sure to wear shoes with some grip and support to your ankles, and bring your swimwear on a good day to find refreshment and the river crossing on your way back!

    Reviewed over 4 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    Only made it to the stream, which is the shortest walk of 3 designated.

    Took us about an hour for one way. Beautiful walk through forest and breathtaking place at the stream. Definitely recommend!

    Reviewed almost 5 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    My favourite hike in Northland.

    It's a good workout but the views are well worth it. Just make sure to start early so you don't have to rush your time up top.

    Reviewed over 5 years ago

  • 4.5/5

    Awesome hike - good distance and great views!

    Not a hike everyone knows about, which is amazing, definitely a hidden gem!

    Reviewed almost 9 years ago and experienced in December 2015

  • 5.0/5

    Gorgeous views 360 degrees from the top.

    Met some really nice DOC workers on the trail as well.

    Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in February 2013