Image: Jaime Apolonio | Creative Commons
Stony beach looking out to a coastal point with calm surf.
Marsden Cross Track

Located in Kerikeri area and Rangihoua Heritage Park in the Northland region

This walk, suitable for kids, leads across farmland to the site of the first mission settlement in New Zealand.

From the stile at the roadside, the track leads you through farmland to Oihi Bay and the Marsden Cross. This stone monument marks the first mission settlement and first Christian service conducted in New Zealand.

Once at Oihi Beach, there is a small stream to cross, which runs dry most of the year.

You can also take a short bushwalk through the remnants of New Zealand’s first European orchard to another memorial commemorating one of New Zealand’s pioneering families, the Hansens.

Marsden Cross Track is within the Rangihoua Heritage Park, 36 km from Kerikeri and signposted from Rangihoua Road. Turn off Rangihoua Road, and travel 2.8 km along Oihi Road to the start of the track.

You can also access the other end of the track from the sea, towards the western end of the beach.

  • No dogs or fires due to risks to wildlife, especially kiwi.
  • Before leaving for your walk, make sure your vehicle is locked and any valuables out of sight.