Arai Te Uru Heritage Walk

Arai Te Uru is the name bestowed on the south head of Hokianga Harbour. Within its namesake reserve, several vantage points spill over the Tasman Sea drinking up views of the harbour and colossal sand dunes.

Where is it?

In Hokianga Heads above Hokianga Harbour, 56km west of Kaikohe and 1.7km west of Oparara.

Terrain

Suitable for children and families pushing buggies (however it’s not surfaced so expect a bumpy ride). There are a few sheer drops in places to be mindful of.

Need to know

30min; 0.5km return

Basic fitness required

Easy walking

No dogs, unless you have a DOC permit

TRACK OVERVIEW

Just up the hill from Ōmāpere is Arai Te Uru Recreational Reserve and a series of scenic walks. From the car park there is a decent 30-minute ramble to stretch your legs and invigorate the lungs, following the top of the cliffs and past the remnants of an old signal station before looping back to the start. With far-reaching views across Hokianga Harbour, the station was built to navigate ships through the treacherous passage but closed in 1951 due to dwindling seafarers. The views today remain spectacular. To extend the walk, there is an optional side-track down to Martins Bay where large rock pools and tidal archways enthral.

Arai Te Uru © Adobe Stock

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