Last Updated: 28th Jul 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Parihaka Hatea Loop

Whangarei, Northland

Submitted by Dianne Zucchetto

Last Updated: 28th Jul 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 14 ?

Gnarl Factor: 27 ?

13.5km

370m

370m

235m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Loop

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Plantation/exotic forest

Riverside

Run Makeup

35%
5%
10%
45%
5%

Sealed Road

Gravel Road

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +5.2%

Average Downhill Gradient: -6.4%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

2:30

Slow

1:45

Moderate

1:15

Fast

Starting at Te Matau a Pohe Bascule Bridge car park, head north (left) along the Hatea River toward the Town Basin. Cross Riverside Drive at the Canopy Bridge and follow the river past the indoor swimming pools. The path turns into a boardwalk through the mangroves before joining with Ewing Road.

Turn left onto Ewing Road, and follow to the end where there is a path and stairs on the right, connecting with Vale Road. Turn left at the top of the stairs and follow to the end of Vale Road to connect with the gravel path into the Parihaka Forest. At the end of the gravel path, turn right onto Whareora Road.

Follow Whareora Road to A H Reed Memorial Park. Opposite A H Reed Memorial Park is Goetzee Track. Follow Goetzee Track up to the mountain bike park and Spider Junction. Take care in the mountain bike park and do not enter the mountain bike tracks. Turn right at Spider Junction, following the gravel road uphill toward the summit of Mount Parihaka.

The gravel road connects with the top of Memorial Drive, follow the road and stairs to the summit. Take in the view and enjoy a breather before taking Ross Track on the left next to the lookout. Follow Ross Track down until you see Mackesy Bush track on the left. Head back uphill on Mackesy Bush track. This section of track has recently been upgraded with the installation of lots of stairs.

There are options to connect to Memorial Drive, but keep right to connect to Riverside Drive. Once on Riverside Drive, cross the road at the pedestrian crossing and continue straight ahead onto the Hatea Loop, past the BMX track and over the bascule bridge, back to the start.

This trail includes the peak Parihaka.

Incorporates the Hatea Loop - Huarahi o te Whai (Pathway of Opportunity), Whangarei Town Basin Marina, sculpture park, and heritage information. The Parihaka scenic reserve contains stands of Kauri. Mount Parihaka is a former pa site and is one of the most significant mountains for Maori in Northland.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

Unlimited parking, including freedom camping. Close to public transport route as well.

4 km

6 minutes

No

No

Easy.

GoetzeeTrack can be difficult to find, as the sign is often covered by long grass.
Take care also at the end of Goetzee Track, at Spider Junction. There are a few tracks going in different directions. Keep to the right and head uphill.

Perfect throughout.

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

Plenty of water fountains along the Hatea Loop and at A H Reed Memorial Park. No water available in the Parihaka Reserve forest.

Goetzee gets very slippery and muddy after rain. The rest of the trails are all weather tracks. But take care in the wet on the downhill sections.

Take care along Goetzee Track and around the mountain bike park. Look out for mountain bikers.

Trail Legend

Petra Hnykova

Petra Hnykova

has completed Parihaka Hatea Loop once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Great loop incorporating several of the tracks in Whangarei

Thomas Evans

May 9, 2021

Variety of running surfaces, mostly easy running magnificent views from top of Parihaka maunga

Denise Limby

June 8, 2020

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