Starting at Arai Te Uru Recreational Reserve

The reserve islocated at the South Head of Hokianga Harbour on Northland’s west coast. The turn off to Signal Station Road and Arai Te Uru Recreational Reserve is clearly signposted from State Highway 12. You see a large Transit sign on a sharp hairpin bend just up the hill from Omapere. The entrance sign to the reserve is two kilometers down the metalled road. There is also a “no camping” sign. Grassy terraces provide sheltered picnic sites and wonderful views up the harbour away from the prevailing westerly winds. The metalled road ends at a formed area for turning and car parking.
Starting at Kai Iwi Lakes

From Dargaville, drive north about 35 km on State Highway 12. Turn off at Omamari Road, and after further 11 km you reach the Kai Iwi Lakes Road.

This continuous tramping track forms its way along the West Coast from Hokianga Harbour to Kai Iwi Lakes with the possible extension to Baylys Beach near Dargaville, and further south along the beach to Pouto.

While you can walk the Hokianga Kai Iwi Coastal Track either way, most people prefer to start from the Kai Iwi Lakes because the Hokianga section has many refreshments and accommodation sites available at the end of your journey.

The Hokianga section from Hokianga South Head to Kaikai Beach, at the Waimamaku River mouth, is 8 km and takes 3-4 hours.