Tangihua Main Ridge Track
Track category
Tramping track
Time:
2 - 3 hr
Description
A track in Tangihua Forest
The Tangihua Main Ridge Track forms a link between the Horokaka Track and the Te Haua Uru Track, a loop that takes about 9 hours to complete, ending at the Tangihua Lions Lodge. Alternatively, having completed the Tangihua Main Ridge Track, trampers can continue northwards on the Northern Tangihua Track which leads to the Tangihua Hut, a further 2 - 3 hours tramp from the Main Ridge Route - Te Haua Uru intersection.
View a track location map
The Whangarei Tramping Club reopened and cut the Tangihua Main Ridge Track in 1991. It is a rough track, which follows the main ridge through thick vegetation. The views from the track are very rewarding on a clear day.
Although the distance from Horokaka to the end of the Tangihua Main Ridge Track is not great, the track is very undulating and travel is quite slow.
Times
- Horokaka Track 3 - 4 hours
- Tangihua Main Ridge Route 2 - 3 hours
- Main Ridge Route/Te Haua Ura Track intersection to Lions Lodge 2 - 3 hours
- Main Ridge Route/Te Haua Ura Track intersection to Whangarei Tramping Club Hut - 2 - 3 hours
Getting there
The Tangihua Main Ridge Track is located in the Tangihua Forest which is found halfway between Whangarei on Northland’s east coast and Dargaville on the west coast. Your best access into Tangihua Forest is from Omana Road.
The Omana Road Tangihua access car park has parking for 15 cars. You will need to walk 30 minutes along a formed road to the bush line. From here, it is another 15 minutes until you reach Tangihua Lions Lodge, a good orientation point for tracks and walks in the forest.
Places to stay
Tangihua Lodge
The Lodge is managed by the Tangihua Lions Lodge Trust and is used for organised school and special interest groups.
Visit the Tangihua Lions Lodge website or contact Kathee@xtra.co.nz phone +64 9 432 2227 for any enquiries or bookings.
Plan and prepare
Safety
This route should only be tackled by experienced trampers due to the razor back ridges and lack of hand holds. Trampers should have a high degree of skill and experience, route-finding ability, be well equipped and use topographical maps.
- There is no water source in the forest. You must carry your own water.
- Watch where you are going at all times. There are steep drops in places.
- The ridge is exposed to rough weather. Make sure you are well equipped and have appropriate warm and waterproof tramping gear.
- Strenuous climbing required in places.
Note
The tramping tracks and routes within Tangihua Forest pass by sites of cultural and spiritual significance to the Parawhau Ngapuhi people. For this reason we ask that trampers stay on the marked tracks.
Help stop kauri dieback
Kauri dieback disease is killing our native kauri. It spreads by soil movement, but you can help prevent it.
- Stay on the track and off kauri roots.
- Clean your gear before and after visiting kauri forests.
Visit the kauri dieback website for more information on how you can help.
Track location map
Guides and commercial tourism providers