J McCallum · Licence not stated · Source: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai
DOC track

Ruapekapeka Pā Track

1.4km30 minEasiest

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Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.

Explore New Zealand's history on this short, easy walk that's suitable for buggies.

Elevation

Climb
39m
Drop
34m
Highest point
303m
Lowest point
266m
270m280m290m300m00.5km1km1.5km
Move over the chart to read the height.
Open Forest
Longest open stretch
620m

Cover mapped summer 2023/24.

Description

The tracks start at the car park. Heading north, the track takes you past a designated picnic area to the British Camp site and location of the memorial grave of British Soldiers.

From here the loop track drops down to cross the valley and return towards the carpark. This section is steeper than others and can be difficult for unassisted wheelchair access though there are no steps. It is suggested that wheelchair users return by the same track to the carpark.

From above the carpark the track takes you past the advanced British position, down through the bush and up to Ruapekapeka Pā site.

Alternatively, you can take this loop, immediately from the carpark and again it is recommended that wheelchair users take the upper level track rather than the steeper bush track.

Getting there

From Whangārei, follow SH1 north for 35 km. Just past the Towai service station, turn right into Ruapekapeka Road and follow this for 4 km.

You will see signs for Ruapekapeka and the carpark 300 m beyond the intersection where Ruapekapeka Road meets Kawakawa Road. The road is unsealed and narrow in places so take care.

The car park is signposted, and it can easily accommodate campervans.

Know before you go
  • No eating or drinking is permitted on the pā site.
  • Stay out of pits and tunnels. These are easily damaged, potentially unstable and pose a risk if entered. Children must be supervised.
  • Although wheelchair accessible, some sections of the track may be more difficult than others.

Weather

Forecast at the start of the track