8 Hrs 8.2 km

Highlights

  • Rare birds; weka and kiwi
  • Ferry links
  • Native flora and fauna

Proximity

GRADE: VARIOUS

Full circuit includes two ferry journeys.

This is a full circle walk with many options for where to start and end.

Northland & Bay of Islands
Russell, Northland & Bay of Islands

Wind through coastal beaches and mangroves in this full-day walking circuit encompassing Paihia, Opua, Okiato and Russell using ferry links. On this walk, you'll have the chance to enjoy native flora and fauna, historic sites and rare native birds.

 

Route options

 

  • Paihia to Opua (3 hours)

Starting from Paihia's quaint town centre, this easy walk takes you along the main beach onto a well-established coastal track. Take in the views across the channel to the Russell peninsula before finishing in Opua, where there is a general store beside the car/passenger ferry. You can finish your walk here and arrange a pick-up or continue on across the water.

 

  • Okiato to Russell (3.5 hours)

Board the ferry to Okiato, where you can join a well-formed track that crosses wetland flats, forest and a waterfront boardwalk before joining the roadside. End at historic Russell, where you can catch the passenger ferry back to Paihia. 

More information

Getting there

For a map of the circuit walkway see Bay of Islands Walkways(opens in new window).

 

Need to know

There are steps on the Okiato to Russell walkway so a good level of fitness is required.

 

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