Discover Whangaroa

Whangaroa is dominated by the pinnacle of St Paul, which rises above Kent Bay and the modern township. When searching for a hotel in Whangaroa, your planned activities can provide a helpful guide: the track to St Paul's Rock begins in town, and other walking routes are nearby. First consider whether the climb, other walks, the harbour or an event date is particularly important for your trip.

St Paul's Rock: Track, Geology and History

The St Paul's Rock Track leads from Whangaroa up to St Paul's Rock and offers views of Whangaroa Harbour. The track passes through regenerating mānuka bush to the volcanic plug. Distinctive volcanic rock formations can be seen around the harbour: they are remnants of eruptions from about 20 million years ago.

At St Paul's Rock, you can also observe a geological phenomenon up close. Naturally consolidated volcanic fragments there resemble coarse-grained exposed concrete. Extensive Māori terraces surround the rock. Erosion has exposed shell refuse from middens along sections of the track. Stay on the marked track.

The track access point is at the car park at the end of Old Hospital Road in Whangaroa. The route requires moderate to fairly good fitness; the track is steep and can be slippery in places. This information is an important guide when factoring the climb into your day’s plans.

Other nearby walking tracks

The nearby Wairakau Stream Track begins about 400 metres along Campbell Road. It passes through regenerating forest down to Wairakau Stream and follows the southwestern arm of Whangaroa Harbour to Lane Cove Hut, as well as to a day shelter and toilets at Pekapeka/Ranfurly Bay. The track can also be reached by water. After heavy rain, stream crossings may be flooded; there are also muddy sections and uneven terrain.

Nearby Lane Cove Hut is a serviced hut with 16 bunks. It can be reached by boat from Totara North or the township of Whangaroa. If you are considering staying overnight, check current availability in advance.

Another nearby route is the Mahinepua Peninsula Track. It runs mostly along a ridge, accesses sheltered coves and offers wide-ranging coastal views. The focus differs considerably: the Wairakau Stream Track leads to the stream and along the harbour arm, while ridges and coastal views are the main features of the Mahinepua Peninsula Track.

Harbour scenery and nature

In the area around the destination, cliffs and ridgelines of eroded volcanoes define Whangaroa Harbour. Coastal forest with coniferous, deciduous and kauri trees covers this landscape. The area also includes mangrove and saltmarsh lowlands, as well as tidal rivers where banded rails and fernbirds occur. Together with the track up to St Paul's Rock, this creates a landscape shaped by both volcanic features and coastal and wetland environments.

Harbour activities and trip planning

The Whangaroa Sport Fishing Club holds numerous fishing tournaments throughout the year. If you want a tournament to determine your travel dates, check the current event schedule in advance. Nearby, on the shore of historic Whangaroa Harbour, the club's café offers à la carte dishes and light snacks featuring seafood from the harbour. It is open to members and the public. Check current opening hours and offerings before planning a visit.

At Whangaroa Marina, free mooring for up to three hours is permitted at the marina’s discretion on an unoccupied section of the northern breakwater. The space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The stated duration is a maximum, not a guarantee that a space will be available.

Whangaroa County Museum covers a range of historical topics. Exhibits include topics relating to the Boyd and the Rainbow Warrior, timber processing, and family and local history. Early New Zealand missionary activities from 1814 onwards are also featured. If you plan to visit the museum, check current opening hours in advance.

Discover more destinations

Kerikeri, Taipa-Mangonui, Waitangi, Kawakawa, Paihia, Coopers Beach, Opononi, Waipoua Forest

For the broader travel overview: Far North District.