The Dukes Nose Track arguably offers the best views in Northland and the Whangaroa Harbour is definitely a true hidden gem in the Northland region. I had seen a few photos of the gorgeous views from the top of Kaiaraara Rocks (Dukes Nose) and knew that we had to go. The scenery will genuinely have you feeling like you have stepped into Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay or Thailand’s Angthong National Park, it is just stunning. Anyhow, there are two options to reach the top of Dukes Nose, one via an inland track and one via a water taxi so read below to find out more.
the Duke’s Nose Track
So the Dukes Nose Track is located in the Whangaroa Harbour area of Northland which is only 45 minutes north of the Bay of Islands. The Dukes Nose (Kaiaraara Rocks) track actually starts behind the Lane Cove Hut, Pekapeka Bay, Whangaroa Harbour. You can reach the track via land by hiking along the Wairakau Stream Track. This is the route we decided to take as we had heard good things about the scenery on the walk in and it was considerably cheaper *free* in comparison to taking a boat from the harbour.
Hiking to the Dukes Nose via the Wairakau Stream Track
Distance: 12.4km return, or 2km return if using the water taxi
Time: 5-6 hour return
Elevation: 750m
Difficulty: Intermediate/Moderate
Parking & When To Go
20/14 Wairakau Road, Totara North 0479 Google maps will tell you this is a carpark but it isn’t. Unfortunately, the parking situation for the track is not great and is pretty limited. We started the walk early so we got a spot at the top of the gravel road but it is tricky to park on so do bear that in mind. On our return to the van there were cars parked up at the side of the road pretty much all the way down.
As for the weather, the track was pretty dry on the day we did it in January. But you do have to cross two streams and a particularly boggy section which was still extremely muddy despite the weeks of dry weather. So beware after heavy rain the track will be pretty difficult and slippy. Otherwise in fine weather I would still recommend a good sturdy pair of shoes.
What to expect from the track
Once you have navigated the parking situ, the first part of the hike is a 5.6km walk along the Wairakau Stream track ending at Lane Cove Hut. Allow 1.5-2 hours for this section of the walk. The initial 30 minutes of the walk is probably the worst part to be honest as it is a fairly boring slog up a 4WD gravel track. Don’t be put off by this, the views are worth it – I promise!
Roughly 3km from the beginning of the track you’ll arrive at your first of two stream crossings, and wow we were not expecting such a crystal clear stretch of water, the gorge is stunning. As I said, the weather had been super dry but we still took our boots off and crossed bare foot as truth be told neither of us has the best balance and skipping across stepping stones would have probably ended up with at least 1 of us falling in. I also wouldn’t bother putting them back on as approx. 100m further there is a second stream crossing.
After the stream crossings you will continue on for a further 2km to reach Lane Cove Hut. There are toilets at this point on the track. Continuing on from the hut is when the walk gets most difficult as you have the 750 metre climb up the Dukes Nose. The track is steep and a decent level of fitness is required as just before you reach the top you will have to climb 10 or so metres up a rock face using a rail. It is scarier than it looks, Josh is not a huge fan of heights/climbing but he smashed it. Getting to the top isn’t the easiest but it is worth it for the phenomenal 360 degree views of the Whangaroa Harbour and the bays beyond.
Lane Cove Hut
If your itinerary allows you can also stay overnight at the DOC serviced hut located at Pekapeka Bay in Whangaroa Harbour. The hut sleeps 16 in 2 separate bunk rooms and there is a small kitchen dining area. The hut is right on the water overlooking the bay and looked like a lovely little place to stay night. There are toilets, water (with a boil before use notice) and a cold showers. Book via the DOC website.
Whangaroa Water Taxi to Lane Cove
The Dukes Nose Track itself is actually very short at just under a kilometre each way, if you wish to skip the 10.4km Wairakau Stream track in and out there is an alternative option to reach Lane Cove. Bear in mind, both options require the climb to the top. If you wish you can hop on a 15 minute water taxi and skip the 10.4km return hike.
You can see the inland route from Campbell Rd North highlighted by the strong purple line and the ferry route by the scattered purple line.
Water Taxi Prices *As of January 2022*
Lane Cove – Duke’s Nose One-way / Return
Adults 16+ NZ$40 | Return $70
Children (5 – 15) NZ$25 | Return $40
Infants (0 – 4) Free
BOOK HERE!
So, I think that is all I can tell you about the track, now all that you need to do is get on up there and enjoy the spectacular view over Whangaroa and beyond!
If you’re looking for another epic hike on the North Island, then have a read of my guide to the Pouakai Tarns in Taranaki. Or if you’re heading South and making plans for the South Island, check out my post about the Milford Sound Scenic Flight with Glenorchy Air or all about the wineries in Queenstown and Wanaka.
Thanks for reading x
You must be logged in to post a comment.