Mangamuka Track

This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.

This track takes approximately 10-12 hours in normal conditions, but may take much longer at times (eg if the track is wet).

The track starts at the junction of Takahue Saddle Road and Warner Road. Follow the old Takahue Saddle Road as it climbs up the hill. The track then enters Raetea Forest and climbs through bush to the summit of Mt Raetea (744 m).

The track then travels along an undulating saddle and offers good views to the west coast and the north. The track can be muddy in places.

There is another a track junction at the 727 m high point. Take the right-hand track and follow it along the ridge, passing Kumetewhiwhia (683 m) and Umaumakaroro (447 m).

Shortly before Umaumakaroro, the track leaves Raetea Forest. After passing Umaumakaroro, the track then descends steeply and crosses private farmland. Follow the signs to stay on the correct route. The track ends at Makene Road.

There are no water tanks or toilets on the track. Carry plenty of water and know how to dispose of human waste safely.

The track is marked with orange triangles. There are also blue marker posts every 1 km.

Alternative track exit: turn left at the 727 m high point and follow the Mangamuka Summit Track down through podocarp forest to end at SH1 in Mangamuka Gorge.

This track is located south of Kaitaia. It begins on Takahue Saddle Road, around 20 minutes drive from Kaitaia.

We don’t recommend walking to the track entrance as this area has busy roads.

If you need transport back to Kaitaia, arrange this before you go. There is no cell phone reception on the track.

Expect a rough backcountry track, with frequent slips, damage and fallen trees

Mangamuka Track is a backcountry tramping track. The track surface is rough and it is not often maintained – the track is best suited to experienced trampers who have good navigational skills.

There are frequent slips, slumps in the track and fallen trees, particularly after rain or high wind. You will need to climb around or over these, there may not be marked diversions.

The track is best in summer during dry weather

This track becomes extremely slippery, wet and muddy in winter and following heavy rain. We recommended only walking this track in dry weather during summer.

Before heading out, check the weather forecast: Northland Regional Forecast – MetService.

No water sources, carry water

There are no drinking water sources or creeks on this track. Carry lots of drinking water.

This is a remote track – pack well, including a distress beacon

There is no mobile coverage along the track, so pack a distress beacon.

Pack to be self-sufficient and ready for an unplanned night out. This means packing plenty of warm and waterproof clothes, an emergency shelter and extra food. Check these gear lists to know what to take with you.

Stay on the track to protect kauri

There are no cleaning stations in Raetea Forest as there are no kauri trees adjacent to the track. Keep to the track to avoid spreading the kauri dieback pathogen to kauri trees deeper in the forest.

There are cleaning stations and opportunities to see kauri up close in Ōmahuta and Puketī Forests.

Reduce wildfire risks

Fires put NZ wildlife at risk and the fire danger in this area can be very high. We only allow pressurised liquid or gas fuelled cookers when camping. Take care when using cookers, observe fire restrictions and always check the fire danger before you light.

Keep an eye out for the many native animals that call Mangamuka home, such as kauri snails/pupurangi and kūkupa/kererū/New Zealand pigeon.