Choose a loop walk or one of the three steep but stunning walks to the summit of Mount Parihaka. This page contains information about the walkways in the Mount Parihaka area, including a description of the tracks and the features of interest to look out for.
Updated:
6/03/2013 8:46 a.m.
Parihaka is an old eroded bushclad volcanic cone and at 241 metres high is visible and recognisable from many places in the city.
It is a former pa site and is one of the most significant mountains for Māori in Northland. It would have been home to more than two thousand people and contains visible remains of house sites, storage pits and defences along the 3 km of ridgeline.
The foresight and generosity of early European settlers contributed 143.5 ha to the bush reserve and the Dobbie, Drummond and Ross tracks are named after 3 of them.
The walking tracks are all through native bush and can be linked to form circular walks or can be walked one way with pick up at the other end. The Hatea Walkway alongside the unspoilt Hatea River creates further options for longer walks in the area.
The summit of Mount Parihaka is a popular destination for it's panoramic views over the city and the harbour. The viewing platform is next to a memorial to commemorate those lost in the two world wars.
A network of mountain bike trails on Parihaka is maintained by the Mountain Bike Club.
Parihaka mountain bike trails map [820kb]
Track descriptions
There are three high quality, all weather walking tracks along the Hatea River and up the slopes to the summit of Mount Parihaka.
| Dobbie Track via Hokianga Track from Mair Park Bridge |
3 |
50 minutes |
1.9km |
| Drummond Track from Mair Park Bridge |
3 |
40 minutes |
1.4km |
| Ross Track from Dundas Road |
3 |
40 minutes |
1.45km |
Hokianga/Dobbie Track
From Mair Park, follow the Hatea Walkway 300 metres north, to the start of the Hokianga Track. The track winds its way up through a bush valley and on through a grove of very large kauri.
Drummond Track
The Drummond Track begins in Mair Park near the bridge over the Hatea River. It passes the memorial plaque to Norman Drummond, a keen botanist, who donated 24 acres of bush to the community in the 1940’s.
Ross Track
At the end of Dundas Road, the Ross Track follows an attractive stream up through the bush. Just before the first staircase, there is an entrance in the rocks on the right hand side into a gold mine dating back to 1909. Economic quantities of gold were never found.
What to expect
Look out for a spur that leads to a former well defended pa site with interpretation. A battle and massacre took place here in the 1700’s. Over 100 terraces and 300 kumara pits have been identified on Parihaka and these are frequent beside the Dobbie Track.
- the tracks are metal surfaced, steep in places with a large number of steps.
- they are well marked and maintained and easy to follow. Moderate fitness and good footwear are needed.
- spectacular views over the city and harbour can be enjoyed from the summit.
Please note that dogs are not permitted on Parihaka as it is a sensitive environment.
Follow the link below to download a printable map of the tracks.
Parihaka Reserve tracks map [163.5kb]
How to get to Parihaka
Parihaka forms the eastern boundary of Whangarei city and is close to the city centre. The Dobbie and Drummond tracks can be reached from the Hatea Walkway where parking is available at Mair Park off Rurumoki Street.
The Ross Track can be reached via Dundas Road (junction with Riverside Drive) where there is some limited parking space.
All three tracks can also be accessed from the car park at the summit of Parihaka, which is reached via Memorial Drive.
For detailed information about the Hatea Walkway, follow the link below.
Hatea River