Start from the small car park on Russell Road and head straight into the Coronation Scenic Reserve on the Frank Holman Memorial Track. You'll climb around 150m in the first kilometre before reaching the Selwyn Avenue Link junction.
Turn left here and descend steeply towards the Quarry Arts Centre. There are plenty of steps and boardwalks through this section before the track emerges at the Arts Centre on Selwyn Avenue.
From the Quarry Arts Centre, head onto Selwyn Avenue, then follow Fifth Avenue and Wilson Avenue to Kauika Road West. Turn right and head downhill for a short distance before re-entering the Coronation Scenic Reserve.
Pick up the Frank Holman Memorial Track again and follow it anticlockwise. There's another decent climb here. At the upper junction, stay left and continue around the ridge through mature native bush and nīkau, with occasional views across Whangārei.
On reaching the Selwyn Avenue junction for the second time, continue straight — don't turn back onto the Selwyn Avenue Link. From here it's a steep final kilometre back down to the Russell Road car park.
The route passes through Coronation Scenic Reserve, which contains mature native forest, nīkau groves, city and harbour viewpoints, and significant Māori archaeological sites. The reserve contains two pā sites and more than 100 storage pits dating from the pre-European period. The Quarry Arts Centre, reached partway through the loop, is a community arts centre with galleries, artist studios, workshops and a café.
None.
There is a small car park at the Russell Road trailhead. Parking is limited. The route is also relatively accessible without a car compared with more remote Whangārei trails, with the central-city area a short walk away.
2 km
5 minutes
No
Moderate.
The key navigation points are the two crossings of the Selwyn Avenue Link junction.
On the first pass, at the Frank Holman Memorial Track junction, turn left onto the Selwyn Avenue Link and descend toward the Quarry Arts Centre.
After leaving the Quarry Arts Centre, follow Selwyn Avenue → Fifth Avenue → Wilson Avenue → Kauika Road West, then re-enter the reserve.
Once back on the Frank Holman Memorial Track, follow the track anticlockwise around the ridge. At the upper junction, stay left and continue around the loop.
When the route reaches the Selwyn Avenue junction for the second time, do not turn onto the Selwyn Avenue Link. Continue straight on the Frank Holman Memorial Track toward Russell Road.
Orange track markers are used on the Frank Holman Memorial Track.
After prolonged wet weather, expect muddy or slippery steps, roots and steep sections.
Slippery surfaces after rain.
Tree roots and uneven surfaces.
Fallen branches/trees can occasionally affect the track.
Minimal Traffic on Selwyn Avenue, Fifth Avenue, Wilson Avenue and Kauika Road West.
The information provided is a guide only. Conditions, access and hazards can change, so use your own judgement and check current local information before heading out. Make sure the route or location is suitable for your experience, fitness and equipment, and check any access restrictions or permissions that may apply.
Do you have a suggestion on where to go afterwards for the best coffee / cake / breakfast / brunch / beer?
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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