Mt Tamahunga Walkway is a steep track near Matakana, part of Te Araroa – The Long Pathway. The track climbs 437 metres through farmland and regenerating native bush to a helicopter pad at the summit. The return walk takes approximately 3 hours and offers coastal views along the way.
Advanced option: Continue north to Rodney Road exit (3.5 hours one way) or west to Matakana Valley Road (2.5 hours one way). These require transport at both ends.
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Find more walks in this area at Warkworth Walks
From Auckland, head north on State Highway 1 for approximately 50km. Take the Warkworth exit and continue through town. Turn onto Leigh Road and drive towards Matakana. Turn onto Omaha Valley Road and the car park is 1km down on your left, just before #109. Look for the signposted track entrance.
There’s room for about 4-6 vehicles maximum. Arrive early on weekends as it fills up.
There’s no public transport to the track.
Mt Tamahunga is the highest accessible summit between Auckland and Whangarei at 437 metres. The track crosses private farmland before climbing through regenerating native bush thick with nikau palms, pūriri, tānekaha, and taraire.
The helicopter pad at the summit makes a good rest spot. Views from the top are limited by bush, but you get coastal views along the way up and down. On clear days you can see north to Pakiri and Goat Island, south across Omaha and Tawharanui towards Kawau Island.
Just below the summit sits a large weather radar station that looks like a huge golf ball.
This track is genuinely steep. You start climbing immediately across farm paddocks with no warm-up. Once you hit the bush the gradient increases and there are sections where you’re basically hauling yourself up using tree roots and rocks.
The track surface varies wildly from soft forest floor, exposed clay, loose dirt, and rocky sections. The tree roots are relentless and positioned at ankle-twisting height.
Summer heat makes this walk significantly harder. There’s minimal shade in the farmland section and even the bush sections can be humid and hot.
The descent is harder on your knees than the ascent. Take your time and use handholds where needed.
Summer can be brutal. The farmland section has zero shade and the bush sections are humid. Start early to avoid the heat. The track is popular in summer so parking fills fast.
Autumn and spring are ideal. Comfortable temperatures for climbing, usually drier track conditions, and excellent light. Native birds are active – tūī, kererū, fantails, tomtits, and grey warblers are common.
Winter brings mud. The clay sections become genuinely slippery and the farmland can be boggy. Visibility from the summit can be spectacular on crisp winter days though.
The regenerating bush is thick with nikau palms, pūriri, tānekaha, taraire, karaka, climbing rātā, and supplejack. You’ll see tree orchids and epiphytes hanging overhead. At ground level look for orchids and fungi.
Birdlife is abundant. You’ll hear tūī, kererū, fantails (pīwakawaka), tomtits (miromiro), and the distinctive song of grey warblers (riroriro). If you’re lucky you might hear kākā screeching.
There are tree identification plates along the track describing many of the native species.
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No. Dogs are not permitted on this track because it crosses private farmland and is managed for conservation. This rule is strictly enforced.
Teenagers who are reasonably fit will manage fine. Primary school age children might struggle with the steep sections and the length. It’s a genuine climb, not a casual walk. There are easier family options in the area.
Surprisingly quiet compared to other Auckland walks. You might see half a dozen other people on a weekend afternoon but it’s possible to have the track to yourself on weekdays. The limited parking naturally restricts numbers.
No facilities at the car park. The nearest public toilets are in Matakana or Warkworth.
Generally good along the track. You should get signal for emergencies. Data is slower at the summit but usable.
Yes. The track continues north to Rodney Road (3.5 hours one way total) or west to Matakana Valley Road (2.5 hours one way total). These are one-way walks requiring transport at both ends. Most people just do the return trip to the summit.
Limited at the actual summit due to bush. The helicopter pad gives you some views but it’s not a 360-degree panorama. The best views are along the track on the way up and down. You can see the coast, Omaha, Kawau Island, and on clear days north to Pakiri and Goat Island.
No supplies available at the track. Stock up before you arrive or plan to stop in Matakana after your walk.
