Introduction

There are walks accessible to people of all abilities in scenic and interesting places all over New Zealand. Some are suitable for wheelchair users, mountain buggies and young families.

This brochure highlights some of the best easy access walks and describes their features, surfaces and the facilities nearby. Information panels are often provided beside these walks so you can learn more about what you see.

Easy access walks

NORTH ISLAND FREE

Using this brochure

To help you choose which walk best suits your needs the whole access experience is rated.

Accessibility rating

Track and associated facilities have no impediments and are fully accessible to unassisted wheelchair users.

Track and all facilities are mostly accessible to wheelchair users. Impediments to access are noted.

Track type

Short walk suitable for unassisted wheelchair users, mountain buggies and walkers.

Short walk suitable for wheelchair users with assistance. Also suitable for mountain buggies and walkers.

Short walk suitable for mountain buggies and walkers.

Short walk relatively barrier free suitable for walkers. They may have steps, steep or narrow sections.

Note: Time and distances are return and approximate

Accessible facilities

Where possible the Department of Conservation (DOC) has built fully accessible amenities at the start of easy access walks. Where this is not the case, future structures and improvements will include such facilities where practical.

Toilets available are fully accessible unless otherwise stated.

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Key

Northland1. Taumarumaru Coastal Walk

2. Ruapekapeka Pä Walk

3. Rainbow Falls Walk

4. Manginangina Kauri Walk

5. Tane Mahuta Walk

6. Kauri Park Loop Walk

7. Uretiti Campground & beach

Auckland8. Kaitoke Hot Springs Walking Track

Waikato9. Bridal Veil Walk

10. Totara Walk

Bay of Plenty11. White Pine Bush Walk

12. Rainbow Mountain Steaming Cliffs Walk

13. Waiötapu Mud Pools Walk

14. Te Whäiti-nui-a-töi Canyon Walking Track

East Coast / Hawke’s Bay15. Marawaiwai Walking Track

16. Hinerau Walk

17 White Pine Bush Path

18. Ahuriri Estuary Walking Track

Tongariro / Taupo19. Spa Park to Huka Falls

20. Huka Falls Walk

21. Tokaanu Thermal Walk

22. Tongariro National Trout Centre Walk

23. Whakapapa Nature Walk

24. Tawhai Falls Walk

25. Rimu Walk

Wanganui26. Araheke Bush Walk

27. Stratford Plateau Viewpoint Walk

28. Potaema Walk

Wellington29. Tawa Grove Walk

30. Old Government Buildings Historic Reserve

31. Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre

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Contents

Northland 2

Auckland 4

Waikato 4

Bay of Plenty 5

East Coast / Hawke’s Bay 7

Tongariro / Taupo 9

Wanganui 12

Wellington 13

Further information 14

Cover image: Tokaanu Thermal Walk, DOC

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Trounson boardwalk, DOC

Manginangina boardwalk, DOC, DOC

Tane Mahuta, DOC

Ruapekapeka Pä entrance, DOC

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Rainbow Falls Walk, Kerikeri Basin

Location: Rainbow Falls Rd, off Waipapa Rd, KerikeriLength: 570 m / 15 minSurface: concrete

Stroll along the river bank to the spectacular Rainbow Falls, where water tumbles into a pool surrounded by native bush. The site of the first Kerikeri power weir and race. You may hear tui call, and see fantails flitting. The path leads to viewing platforms. Rainbows appear in the afternoons if the light is right.

Ruapekapeka Pä Walk, Bay of Islands

Location: Ruapekapeka Rd, off SH 1Length: 3 km / 30 min Surface: gravel and hard earth. Steep slopes

The final battle in the ‘war of the north’ between Mäori and the British army took place here in 1846. Innovative trenches and palisades provided a very effective defence against attack. A path climbs to the pä on the top of a hill, another to a grassed area where the British advanced, and another winds through regenerating puriri forest. Panels detail some of the site’s history. The brochure Ruapekapeka Pä provides more information.

Taumarumaru Coastal Walk, Taumarumaru Reserve

Location: SH 10 via Coopers BeachLength: 1 k m / 20 minSurface: gravel

This reserve has three historic pä sites. You can see the remains of terraces and midden sites which were living areas outside the pa’s main fortress area.

Northland

Location: off SH 12, 30 min north of Dargaville Length: 3 k m / 40 minSurface: boardwalk, and gravel. Some tree roots.

Last 100 m is a steep climbToilets: not wheelchair accessible

Walk beneath a cathedral-like canopy of kauri forest. Along the way read panels about the forest and it’s inhabitants. The walk passes through one of New Zealand’s protected ‘Mainland Island’ conservation areas. Kiwi may be seen here at night. There is a camping area nearby and free car park security available in summer.

Kauri Park Loop Walk, Trounson Scenic Reserve

Manginangina Kauri Walk, Manginangina Scenic Reserve

Location: Puketi Forest, Waiare Rd, off SH 1, 20 min from Kerikeri

Length: 716 m / 15 minSurface: boardwalk

Location: SH 12, Northern Waipoua ForestLength: 424 m / 10 minSurface: boardwalk and gravel

Tane Mahuta (Lord of the forest) is the largest living kauri tree in New Zealand. Its 13.8 m diameter trunk towers over the forest canopy. The first branch is a staggering 17.7m from the ground! Kauri have very sensitive surface roots. Please do not go off the track.

A beautiful shaded walk beneath giant kauri trees. Interpretive panels tell stories of this special forest ecosytem.

Tane Mahuta Walk, Waipoua Forest

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Kahikatea Forest, White Pine Scenic Reserve, DOC

Bay of Plenty

Totara Walk, Pureora Forest ParkLocation: Barryville Rd off SH 30, PureoraLength: 1.9 km / 30 minSurface: gravel and boardwalk

Toilets: not wheelchair accessible

This easy loop walk winds its way through the awe-inspiring giant podocarp trees for which Pureora is famous.

White Pine Bush Walk, White Pine Bush Scenic ReserveLocation: White Pine Bush Rd off SH 30, 20 kmsouth of WhakataneLength: 500 m / 15 minSurface: gravel

This lovely track passes through a huge kahikatea (white pine) remnant forest. It also has nikau palms, a rich under-story of ferns and hanging vines, and plenty of native birds.

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Auckland

Follow the track along the western side of Kaitoke Swamp to the sulphurous springs. Brown teal, fernbird, bittern and spotless crake are common here. Enjoy bathing in the hot pools at a fork in the creek, but take care as the water may be hot. Do not put your head under water in hot pools.

Waikato

Kaitoke Hot Springs Walking Track, Great Barrier Island

Location: off Whangaparapara RdLength: 5.4 k m / 1 hr 30 minSurface: gravelToilets: at car park

Bridal Veil Falls Walk, Bridal Veil Falls Scenic ReserveLocation: off Kawhia Rd, near RaglanLength: 800 m / 10 minSurface: compact gravel and boardwalk

The track follows the Pakoka River to two viewing areas providing spectacular views of the 55m falls. The track past this point is not accessible.

Uretiti Campground and beach, Whangarei

Location: SH 1, 18 km north of WaipuLength: 100 m / 5 min Surface: soft sand track to beach, flat grassed camping area

The Uretiti campground amenity area provides a pleasant atmosphere and the beach is a short distance away with good fishing.

Bridal Veil Falls, DOC

Kaitoke Hot Springs, DOC

Totara Walk, DOC

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Waiötapu Mud Pools Walk, Waiotapu Scenic Reserve

Location: Waiotapu Loop Rd, off SH 5, 28 km south of Rotorua Length: 84 m / 5 min Surface: gravel, steep slopes

Watch the rhythm of hot bubbling mud. Close your eyes, listen to the splatters and smell the sulphur. Thermal areas are hot. Do not go off the track.

Waiotapu Mud Pools, DOC

Rainbow Mountain Steaming Cliffs Walk, RainbowMountain Scenic Reserve

Location: SH 5, 26 km south of RotoruaLength: 2 k m / 20 minSurface: gravel and some steps

Walk to a viewpoint over-looking two crater lakes, against a backdrop of bare brown, orange and red steaming cliffs and an array of geothermal vegetation.

Rainbow mountain crater lake, DOC

Te Whäiti-nui-a-töi Canyon Walking Track, Whirinaki Forest Park

Location: River Rd off SH 38Length: 2 km / 30 minSurface: compacted pumice

This well-graded track to the spectacular canyon is the first part of the Whiranaki Track.

Te Whäiti-nui-a-töi Canyon naturespic.com

Marawaiwai Walking Track, Marawaiwai Scenic Reserve

Location: Harrison Rd, off Warrington Rd and SH 2, 10 km south east of OpotikiLength: 1.4 km / 20 min

Surface: hard earth / board-walk. Some steps, steeper and narrow track sectionsToilet: in picnic area, not wheelchair accessible

This walk meanders beside a stream through semi-coastal broadleaf kahikatea forest and there is a small wetland with plenty of native birds.

Hinerau Walk, Lake Waikaremoana

Location: northwest of Wairoa or southeast of Murupara Length: 1.2 k m / 30 minSurface: gravel and boardwalk

Toilets: not wheelchair accessible

A shaded loop walk through lush native forest leads to the three beautiful waterfalls.

Bridal Veil, Aniwaniwa Falls, DOC

East Coast / Hawke’s Bay

Kahikatea berries, DOC

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White Pine Bush Path, White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve

Location: 29 km north of Napier on SH 2Length: 806 m / 30 minSurface: sealed and boardwalk

From the picnic area enjoy this loop walk through a special remnant of lowland forest. Highlights are the large kahikatea (white pine) and nikau palm which support a variety of vocal birdlife.

Ahuriri Estuary Walking Track, Napier

White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve picnic area, DOC

Location: Humber St off Pandora Rd, Napier Length: 5.6 k m / 1 hr

Surface: hard earth, gravel and boardwalk. One steep slope

This estuary supports an interdependent community of wading birds, fish, mud dwellers and aquatic plant life. The board-walk stretches out across the water for good viewing. Take your binoculars.

Tongariro / Taupo

Huka Falls Walk, Taupo

Location: Huka Falls Rd, off SH 1, 5 km north of TaupoLength: 444 m / 10 minSurface: sealed and gravelToilets: pay toilets, disabled accessCar park security available

These spectacular falls were created over time by the mighty Waikato River squeezing through a deep rock channel and emerging with great force at the northern end. Enjoy the views from platforms overlooking the falls.

Spa Park to Huka Falls, Taupo

Location: Spa Park in County Rd, off Spa RdLength: 5.6 k m / 2 hrSurface: gravel

From the Spa Park cross the bridge over the river and follow the track upstream and enjoy lovely views of the clear, turquoise blue waters. The walk finishes at the spectacular Huka Falls. Return the same way.

Above & below: Ahuriri Estuary, DOC

Waikato River, naturespics.com

Huka Falls, naturespics.com

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Tongariro / Taupo

Walk through a natural thermal area with hot mineral pools set in sinter basins and spluttering mud pools surrounded by native bush. Thermal areas are hazardous - stay on the track. Children must be supervised. Enjoy a swim at the adjoining Tokaanu Thermal Pool complex.

Tokaanu Thermal Walk, beside thermal pools, Turangi

Location: SH 41, 6 km from Turangi Length: 1.3 km / 20 minSurface: boardwalk and gravelToilets: no disabled access

Tongariro National Trout Centre Walk, Turangi

Location: SH 1, TurangiLength: 2.8 k m / 30 minSurface: gravel and sealed Toilets: no disabled access

Walk along the banks of the Tongariro River and enjoy the native bush. Check out the visitor centre and the history of trout fishing at Lake Taupo. Bring a picnic.

Rimu Walk, DOC

Tawhai Falls, DOC

Whakapapa Nature Walk, Tongariro National Park

Tawhai Falls Walk, Tongariro National ParkLocation: SH 48, 4 km south of visitor centreLength: 820 m / 20 min

Surface: hard earth and gravel, steps to the viewing area

Enjoy a short stroll through mountain totara and beech forest for a view of the Tawhai Falls tumbling over the edge of an ancient lava flow.

Rimu Walk, OhakuneLocation: opposite visitor centre, Mountain RdLength: 1.1 k m / 20 min Surface: gravel

Toilets: not wheelchair acessible

This pleasant, shaded circuit track meanders through an understory of ground ferns and kamahi, then crosses a quiet mountain stream before returning to the car park.

Location: 250 m north of Whakapapa Visitor Centre Length: 1 k m / 20 minSurface: sealed. Narrow in places

Toilets: at visitor centre

Enjoy this short walk in Tongariro National Park, a World Heritage Area. Panels identify the unique alpine plants. Drive up towards the ski village to see a volcanic-alpine landscape of mountain cabbage trees found only in very cold areas. Whakapapa Nature Walk, DOC

Fly fisher, naturespic.com

Tokaanu Thermal Walk, DOC

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Old Government Buildings Historic Reserve, Wellington

Location: 15 Lambton Quay, opposite ParliamentOpen: 9am-4.30pm weekdays, 10am-3pm weekendsSurface: timber floors. Wheelchair access at rear

Built in 1876, this is the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. The façade resembles

Tawa Grove Walk, Catchpool Valley

Location: Coast Rd 12 km south of Wainuiomata. Open 8 am to duskLength: 726m / 30 minSurface: gravel and earth

Toilets: at visitor centre

Walk through native forest and listen for birds such as tui and kereru (wood pigeon). There is a picnic area at the start of the track, with a coin operated barbeque, and a camping area nearby.

Wellington

Tawa Grove. DOC

Old Government Buildings and Rt Hon Peter Fraser

www.naturespic.com

an Italian stone palace. The native kauri suspended staircase is interesting, and a visit to the former cabinet room is a must.

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Wanganui

Stratford Plateau Viewpoint Walk, Egmont National Park

Potaema Walk, Egmont National Park

Araheke Bush Walk, Meeting of the Waters Scenic Reserve

Location: SH 3, south of New PlymouthLength: 1.9 km / 45 minSurface: gravel

An attractive walk through cool lowland bush next to the scenic Waiwhaikaiho River. Wheelchair access is via the

New Plymouth District Council bridge and a key is required. Contact DOC New Plymouth. Ph: 06 759 0350

Location: Pembroke Rd, off SH 3Length: 1.1 k m / 30 minSurface: boardwalk and gravel

Toilets: amenity area, Pembroke Rd

On the lower-east slopes of Mt Taranaki / Egmont, pass through podocarp forest to a viewing platform overlooking a large wetland area. On a clear day enjoy superb views of Mt Taranaki / Egmont.

A barrier free walk which leads to a

Location: end of Pembroke Rd, off SH 3Length: 136 m / 2 minSurface: boardwalk

viewing platform overlooking the ringplain and distant Tongariro volcanoes.

Potaema Walk, DOC

Stratford Plateau viewing platform, DOC

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Further information

Published by Department of Conservation, Wellington, August 2007

Visitor Centres

You can find out more about any of these tracks at the nearest DOC visitor centre or www.doc.govt.nz

Feedback

We aim to continually improve our information about accessible recreation opportunities. Your suggestions and feedback are welcomed and should be sent to recreation@doc.govt.nz. Thank you.

Other publications:

Easy Access Walks, South Island, DOC (2007).Accessible walks of the South Island, Anna and James Jameson (2000).

Security

Wellington

Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre Location: SH 2, 30 km north of MastertonLength: 2.4 km / 30 minSurface: gravel and some stepsToilets: at visitor centre

Beneath lush forest some of New Zealand’s mostthreatened birds - kokako, kaka and hihi - are bred in aviaries. See tuatara and kiwi in the nocturnal house. Wild native eels feed at 1.30 pm and kaka are fed at 3.00 pm daily.

Theft from vehicles is not common, but can happen. Remember to lock your vehicle and take your valuables with you. Car park security is available in some places.

9 421005 170405 >

Mt Bruce aviary, DOC