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Waikare Connection - by Water
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Walking
Two options exist to negotiate the Waikare Inlet through to the start of the Russell Forest Track - by water or by road.
Following consultation with local iwi in the Russell Forest, it has been decided that we will re route Te Araroa around Russell Forest. The key reason to do this is to respect the concerns of local iwi around reducing the potential spread of Kauri Die Back by our walkers. We have developed a new route that will take our walkers to the eastern side of the forest, before connecting back up with the original trail at 286km marker.
Two options exist to negotiate the Waikare Inlet from Paihai or Opua through to the Punaruku Estuary on Whangaruru Harbour by water or by road via at the ferry from Opua to Okiato.
There is also the option to ferry from Paihia to Russell and connect with Sheryl Wikaere to travel with her to Waikare. Transport is available for large groups please contact Sheryl on peter1.sheryl@gmail.com
Tide timetable for Waikere Inlet
By water
Kayak up the inlet with Bay Beach Hire, phone Nick on 021 159 2185. This company is based on the beach at Paihia, and if you're going to kayak up to Waikare, Paihia is a better start point than Ōpua. It's better to travel in a group or two or three, which will reduce costs. The paddle from Paihia to Waikare takes between 3-4hr depending on weather conditions and fitness levels, and should only be done by persons with some experience. Cellphone reception is zero once past Marriott Island so GPS or good map skills are needed. Plan to start around 3 hours before high tide to arrive at Waikare near the top the tide.
There is a approximately 18kms of kayaking. When you get to Sheryl’s place (027 309 3476) you can stay there, or walk up the Waikare road for 6.5kms and turn right onto the Russell Whakapara road for approx. 13km to The Farm (total of 19.5kms), a friendly camping place, or continue for another 4.5km (total of 24kms walking) to re-join the trail at km marker 286, a further 1.5kms south is Tammy's Place at 2999 Russell Road.
Pricing - $100pp, with minimum of 2 people.
Includes kayak hire, pack transport to Waikare, kayak pickup, dry bags, maps, full safety equipment.
Waikare
Waikare and the accommodation providers on Waikare Road are not located directly on Te Araroa due to the closure of Russell Forest and Papakauri Track in 2021. The accommodation options below are approximately 2 km off the current route
For information re Waikare amenities, contact Sheryl Wikaire on P: 027 309 3476 E: peter1.sheryl@gmail.com
- Sheryl's Place has tenting available for walkers at 228 Waikare Valley Rd ($20) - call Sheryl, or information at the Russell GAS station. Sheryl's place is 1km from the Russell Forest at 228D Waikare Valley Rd, just phone or text to arrange. Note that Sheryl's place is "off the grid" - composting toilet available on request and kauri dieback cleaning facilities available, please make use of these!
By road via Ferry from Opua to Okiato
Walk from Paihia 6kms to Opua and take the vehicular ferry over the Veronica Channel to Okiato. From there, follow Aucks Rd for 4.5km to the GAS Russell Garage at the junction with the Russell-Whakapara Rd. Turn right and follow that road for approximately (22km) to The Farm, a friendly camping place, or continue for another 4.5km (total of 36.5kms) to re-join the trail at km marker 286. A further 1.5kms south is Tammy's Place at 2999 Russell Road.
If you want a more relaxing route between exiting the ferry and joining with the Russell-Whakapara Rd, then turn left into Pipiroa Rd soon after leaving the ferry and link to the “Okiato to Russell Walkway”. This goes through wetland, bush, and around cliffs to rejoin Aucks Rd just before its junction with the Russell-Whakapara Rd. It is several kilometres longer than walking directly through to the Russell-Whakapara Rd on Aucks Rd, but does take you off-road and is a good coastal meander if you have time.
By road via Ferry from Paihia to Russell
Catch a ferry to Russell from Paihia at km marker 244, and then walk through Russell township and up Florence Ave. Beside the refuse centre there is a trail that takes you beside and off the main road, over boardwalks and through coastal mangroves, all the way to GAS Russell Garage (5kms) on the corner of Aucks Road and Russell-Whakapara Road. Turn left and continue down the Russell-Whakapara Road for approximately (22km) to The Farm (km 281.3), a friendly camping place, or continue for another 4.5km (total of 31.5kms) to re-join the trail at KM marker 286. A further 1.5kms south is Tammy's Place at 2999 Russell Road.
Conditions
Track standard: mixed grade
Potential hazards
- Vehicles on road or track. If kayaking, be alert for other water users
- Poisons & traps
- Small stream crossings
- Track exposed to sun, wind or cold
How to get here
Transport
Accommodation
Food And Supply
Track Elevation and Map
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More information
Page last updated: Oct 23, 2023, 4:54 PM