Whangamumu Track & Whaling Station

The destination of this run is the historic Whangamumu Whaling Station.

Whangamumu Harbour acted as a base for an onshore whaling station in the 1800s and early 1900s. The Whangamumu Whaling Station was the only one in the world that caught whales with nets, and it was Northland's longest running and most successful station.

Today the physical remains at Whangamumu represent the last factory based whaling station Northland. The remaining historic structures include vats or tanks that held whale oil, the slipway on the beach front, and the old boiler.
- Source DoC

There is limited parking beside the road at the start of the track. Secure-ish car parking facilities are available for $3 at a nearby property (20m back along the road)

26 km

32 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

There are a couple of intersections but they are well marked. Just head to "Whangamumu". When you hit the beach go left and you will see large orange DoC markers nailed to trees guiding the way. If it is high tide then you will get wet feet but it is shallow and stable underfoot.

Very patchy.

Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

No drinkable water, although there are a couple of streams of unknown quality (boiling is recommended). You should bring all the water you think you will need from wherever you are staying.

Northland is temperate so no heavy duty clothing is required, especially in summer.

If the tide is high then you will get wet shoes on the coastal track to the whaling station.

No shops or cafes anywhere close by (at all!)
Russell is the nearest proper civilization and it is over half an hour away on windy road.