Te Paki Coastal Track

This stunning coastal track traverses a variety of beautiful and unique landforms, and offers spectacular views of the cape region.

The track follows the coastline from Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) on the North Eastern Coast, past Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga) and Cape Maria van Dieman, and finishes at Te Paki Stream on the West Coast. From there, you can continue along 90 Mile Beach all the way to Ahipara.

You can attempt the whole track or choose one or several track sections that suit your fitness level and areas of interest. Track sections range from 45 minutes to several hours duration.

Track categories: Vary between Walking Track and Tramping Track. Trampers need to be self-sufficient.

Distance and time: The whole Te Paki Coastal Track, from Kapowairua on the North Eastern Coast to Te Paki Stream on the West Coast, is 48 km long.

See individual track sections for specific distances and times.

Track sections

• Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) - Pandora
• Pandora - Tapotupotu Bay
• Tapotupotu Bay - Cape Reinga
• Cape Reinga - Te Werahi Beach
• Te Werahi Beach - Twilight Beach
• Twilight Beach - Te Paki Stream
• From Te Paki Stream, you can follow the coast along 90 Mile Beach south:
  • To the Bluff: 19 km
  • To Hukatere: 51 km
  • To Waipapakauri: 69 km
  • To Ahipara: 83 km

Places to stay

• Pandora Campsite
• Tapotupotu Campsite
• Twilight Campsite

Getting there

Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga) and Te Paki are located at the northernmost area of New Zealand on the Aupouri Peninsula. Follow State Highway 1 north from Kaitaia approximately 96 km to Te Paki and 111 km to Te Rerenga Wairua.

You have vehicle access to:

• Kapowairua – turn off SH 1 at Waitiki Landing onto Te Hapua Road and then Spirits Bay Road, approximately 16 km.
• Tapotupotu – turn off SH1 2 km south of Te Rerenga Wairua follow signposts approximately 3 km of gravel road to Tapotupotu Bay.
• Cape Reinga – follow SH1 North.
• Te Paki Stream – turn off SH1 at Te Paki onto Te Paki Stream Road approximately 5 km north of Waitiki or 96 km north of Kaitaia.

Nature and conservation

The track leads you across dunes, idyllic beaches, dramatic headlands, and swamps filled with birdlife.

History and culture

 Along the way, you have access to areas of historic and archaeological interest.

Know before you go

• See Te Paki commercial operators for transport options.
• Open fires are not permitted - any time of year - on the Te Paki Reserves and Aupouri Peninsula. Gas/contained flame cookers are permitted.

What to bring

• Adequate preparation and equipment needed. Bring all the usual tramping/camping gear, and the following:
• Tide charts
• Topographical map
• Swimming gear
• Insect repellent (especially in summer)
• Sunscreen/hat/sunglasses
• Camera
• Plenty of drinking water (several litres) as streams may be dried up in summer
• Water filter/purification tablets or gas cooker for boiling water

Safety

• Weather can be changeable with sudden downpours of rain increasing stream levels
• Tracks may be slippery in wet weather, and larger streams may be uncrossable.
• You may not be able to cross some streams at around high tide and you may need to wait for the tide to recede. 
• There is no mobile reception in Te Paki. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
• There are plenty of mosquitoes and sandflies. Make sure your tent is mosquito proof over the summer months and carry insect repellent.
• Do not leave your vehicle unattended while undertaking the tramp.

Source: Department of Conservation