Tauranga Walks and Walking Tracks

From Pilot Bay and Johnson Reserve to the Ohauiti Reserve Walkway and Yatton Park, every Tauranga walk comes with its time, distance and grade.

Tauranga’s walking tracks cover most terrain within a short drive of the city: coastal loops, bush tracks, waterfall walks, estuary trails and summit climbs. The Mauao Base and Summit tracks are the most iconic, giving 360-degree views over the harbour, coast and Kaimai Range. Papamoa Hills offers longer summit routes, Kaiate Falls and McLaren Falls combine bush and water, and The Strand gives an easy waterfront walk.

Walks near me: the Tauranga walk map

52 walks in and around Tauranga. Tap one for details and directions, or find one by tapping Walks near me.

Map of 52 walks

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Walk details from our guides, DOC and Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, Outdoor Access Commission (CC BY 4.0). Pins set on LINZ aerial photos.

Walking guides for Tauranga

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51 walking tracks

Bush WalksAongatete Walking TracksBush Walks & Swimming Holes15 min2.4 km loopHardNo dogsAongatete Walking Tracks near Tauranga range from a 15 min nature trail to a 3 hr loop through Kaimai forest, with a link track to swimming holes.

River WalksCrown Track to Dickey's FlatDay Trip Through Karangahake Gold Mines1 hr one way3 km one wayEasyDogs on leashCrown Track to Dickey's Flat: a 1 hr easy DOC walk through Karangahake gold mines to a riverside campsite. Rain closures, tunnel, dogs on leash.

Bush WalksDaly's Clearing Loop TrackDay Trip Nīkau Forest Loop near Waikino4 hr7.5 kmHardNo dogsDaly's Clearing Loop Track: a 4 hr advanced DOC loop near Waikino through nīkau groves past Daly's Clearing Hut. Route, hut, no dogs.

Bush WalksEliza Mine Loop TrackKaimai Tramp to an Old Mine on a Historic Pack Track4-5 hr7 km loopHardNo dogsEliza Mine Loop Track: a 4–5 hr advanced DOC tramp to old mine workings near Katikati. Grade, dogs, gear and DOC status.

Wetland WalksGordon Carmichael ReserveWalkways, Wetlands & Native Birds2 km loopDogs off leashToiletsFind Gordon Carmichael Reserve in Tauranga: 60-hectare wetland with 2+ km of walkways, playground, native birds and more.

Bush WalksHigh-Level Pack TrackDay Trip Tramp to Quartzville near Te Aroha2.5 hr4.3 km one wayHardNo dogsHigh-Level Pack Track: a 2 hr 30 min advanced DOC tramp near Te Aroha past mine portals and waterfalls to Quartzville. Loops, no dogs, alerts.

Coastal WalksHomunga Bay TrackDay Trip Coastal Walk North of Waihī Beach2 hr one way5 km one wayHardNo dogsHomunga Bay Track: an advanced DOC coastal track north of Waihī Beach, with access from Ngatitangata Road. Safety, dogs and DOC status.

Coastal WalksHopukiore (Mount Drury) ReserveViews, History & Family Fun40 m fallsToiletsHopukiore (Mount Drury) Reserve is a compact 40-metre hill in Mount Maunganui with panoramic views over Pilot Bay and the coastline.

Coastal WalksHuharua Harbour ParkHarbourside Walks and Passive RecreationHuharua Harbour Park in Te Puna offers 8.7 ha of harbourside walks, passive recreation and scenic estuary views.

Reserve WalksJohnson ReserveWelcome Bay Walking Tracks40 min1.9 kmEasyJohnson Reserve in Welcome Bay, Tauranga has easy bush and wetland walking tracks with renewed boardwalks linking Waipuna Park. Loops of about 4 km.

River WalksKaiate FallsTrack, Waterfalls and Reserve1 hr returnModerateDogs on leashKaiate Falls (Te Rerekawau) near Welcome Bay, Tauranga: the walking track, the series of cascades on the Kaiate Stream and reserve access.

Wetland WalksKaituna Wetland Loop TrackEasy Birdwatching Walk near Te Puke1.5 hrEasyNo dogsKaituna Wetland Loop Track: a 1 hr 15 min easy DOC loop near Te Puke with a waterfowl viewing hide. Directions, no dogs, hunting season.

River WalksKarangahake Gorge Day HikeHistoric Tunnels and Scenic Walks Near Tauranga45 min return2.5 km loopDogs on leashToiletsKarangahake Gorge, under an hour from Tauranga, has easy walks through old gold mining rail tunnels, suspension bridges and the Windows Walk by the river.

River WalksKōpūrererua Valley ReserveTauranga Walks & Cycleways6 kmEasy to moderateDogs on leashKōpūrererua Valley Reserve in Tauranga: 364 ha of wetland, bush and farmland with a 6 km sealed walkway and cycleway, stream restoration and birdlife.

Bush WalksLindemann Loop TrackKaimai Lookout and Kauri Dam Loop near Katikati5 hr11 km loopHardNo dogsLindemann Loop Track near Katikati: a 5 hr advanced DOC loop with Bay of Plenty views and kauri dam relics. Grade, dogs and DOC status.

Bush WalksLow-Level Loop WaiorongomaiDay Trip Goldmining Walk near Te Aroha2 hr5.5 km loopEasyNo dogsWaiorongomai Low-Level Loop: a 2 hr easy DOC walk near Te Aroha past goldmining relics and NZ's oldest bush tramway. Access, no dogs, alerts.

Coastal WalksMauao Walking TracksBase and Summit (Closed)45 min one way232 m fallsNo dogsMauao (Mount Maunganui) base and summit tracks in Tauranga: 3.4 km loop, 232 m summit, current full closure status, access details and cultural significance.

River WalksMcLaren Falls ParkCamping, Walks and ActivitiesNo dogsMcLaren Falls Park is a 190-hectare parkland beside Lake McLaren, just ten minutes by car from Tauranga.

Scenic ViewsMinden LookoutPanoramic Views from Te PunaDrive-up viewpoint at 286m offering panoramic views over Tauranga and the Western Bay coastline, with a new covered platform and parking.

Coastal WalksMoturiki IslandWalk, Blowhole & Reserve20 min return1.1 kmEasyNo dogsFind Moturiki Island (Leisure Island) in Tauranga: easy walk to the blowhole, rock pools, seabird colony and ocean views from Mount Maunganui Main Beach.

Coastal WalksMount Maunganui Main BeachSwimming Surfing and WalksNo dogsToiletsMount Maunganui Main Beach: white sand, surf breaks and a boardwalk at the foot of Mauao, patrolled by lifeguards in summer. Swim between the flags.

Bush WalksNgamuwahine TrackKaimai Bush Walk and Trout Stream1.5 hr3.5 km returnHardNo dogsNgamuwahine Track in Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park offers a 3.5 km moderate bush walk with river crossings and trout fishing near Tauranga.

Bush WalksNorth-South TrackMulti-Day Expert Tramp Along the Kaimai Range82 km one wayHardNo dogsNorth-South Track: a 5–7 day expert DOC tramp along the Kaimai Range with huts and camping. Itinerary, current alerts, gear and river advice.

Reserve WalksOhauiti Reserve WalkwayEasy Tracks Near Tauranga0.9 kmEasyToiletsEasy 0.9 km loop through bush and grasslands in Ohauiti, Tauranga. Access, parking and flooding advice from the city council.

Coastal WalksOmanu BeachFamily Swimming and Surf ClubOmanu Beach in Tauranga offers white sand, family swimming, and New Zealand's large junior surf programme at the 1947-founded surf club.

Coastal WalksŌmokoroaTown Guide to Harbour Peninsula Living and Coastal WalksExplore Ōmokoroa on Tauranga Harbour: peninsula walks, Domain beach, schools, shops, cycleway and ferry links in Western Bay of Plenty.

Bush WalksŌtanewainuku ForestNative Bush Walks and Views near TaurangaNo dogsToiletsŌtanewainuku Forest south of Tauranga: unlogged native bush with giant rimu, kiwi and kōkako, a summit lookout track and the Whataroa Falls swimming hole.

Bush WalksOtawa Reservoir TrackEasy Walks & Scenic ReserveHardToiletsOtawa Reservoir Track offers easy access to the Otawa Scenic Reserve near Te Puke in the western Bay of Plenty.

Estuary WalksŌtūmoetai Foreshore & Matua Saltmarsh Walkways, TaurangaŌtūmoetai Foreshore and Matua Saltmarsh Walkways form a popular network of paths along the peninsula in Tauranga, linking reserves, parks.

Waterfall WalksOwharoa Falls TrackDay Trip to a Karangahake Gorge Waterfall5 min one way0.2 kmEasyDogs on leashOwharoa Falls Track: a 5-minute easy DOC walk to a waterfall in the Karangahake Gorge, a day trip from Tauranga. Parking, swimming and road alerts.

Coastal WalksPāpāmoa BeachLong Sandy Beach for Swimming, Surfing and FishingPāpāmoa Beach is a long white sand beach in Tauranga, popular for swimming, surfing, fishing and relaxed beach days.

Summit TracksPāpāmoa Hills Regional ParkWalks, Views & Cultural HeritageNo dogsToiletsPāpāmoa Hills Regional Park near Tauranga: a 45 minute climb to the 224m summit trig past seven pā sites, with views across the Bay of Plenty.

Reserve WalksPapamoa Reserve WalkwaysTe Ara o Wairākei Paths6 kmDogs off leashPapamoa Reserve Walkways in Tauranga follow the Te Ara o Wairākei stream corridor for about 15 km, with shared walking and cycling paths past wetlands.

Coastal WalksPilot Bay BeachCalm Harbour Swimming at Mount MaunganuiPilot Bay Beach (Waikorire) offers sheltered harbour swimming, a boardwalk and boat ramp at the base of Mauao in Tauranga.

River WalksPoripori WaterholeFreshwater Swimming on Wairoa RiverPoripori Waterhole (Pori Pori) is a popular freshwater swimming spot with water holes on the Wairoa River in the Lower Kaimai area near Tauranga.

Bush WalksPylon Peak Summit LoopDay Trip Climb Past Old Power Pylons near Te Aroha6-7 hr4.4 km loopHardNo dogsPylon Peak Summit Loop: a 6–7 hr advanced DOC climb near Te Aroha past old power pylons. Loop option, views, mine and river alerts, no dogs.

Bush WalksRapurapu Kauri TrackStream Tramp to Giant Kauri in the Kaimai Range1.5 hr5 km returnHardNo dogsRapurapu Kauri Track: a 1 hr 15 min advanced DOC tramp off SH29 with eight stream crossings to three giant kauri. Access, rain alerts, no dogs.

Reserve WalksTe Puna Quarry ParkFree Gardens, Sculptures and ViewsDogs on leashTe Puna Quarry Park near Tauranga: a free, volunteer-run former quarry with themed gardens, outdoor artworks, ponds, a waterfall and Bay of Plenty views.

River WalksTe Rere o ŌmanawaOmanawa Falls Tauranga Walking Tracks35 m fallsToiletsTe Rere o Ōmanawa (Omanawa Falls) near Tauranga: three lookout platforms over the 35 m falls, a forest walkway with stairs and carved pou. No swimming.

Bush WalksTe Rereatukahia Hut TrackNorthern Kaimai Tramp to a DOC Hut3-6 hr one way15 km one wayHardNo dogsTe Rereatukahia Hut Track: an advanced DOC tramp near Katikati to a Kaimai hut via Tuahu Saddle. Access routes, slip alert, no dogs.

Reserve WalksThe Lakes Walkways20km Paths Around Lakes and Parks20 kmThe Lakes Walkways in Pyes Pā, Tauranga: 20 km of sealed walking and cycle paths around man-made lakes and parks, linking to the Kōpūrererua Valley.

Coastal WalksThe StrandWaterfront Reserve, Dining & SculpturesThe Strand is Tauranga's vibrant waterfront reserve in the heart of the CBD, offering a scenic setting for families, workers and visitors alike.

Bush WalksTuahu Kauri TrackKaimai Ranges Walk to Ancient TreeNo dogsTuahu Kauri sits within Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park in the Kaimai Ranges, offering visitors a chance to see a mature kauri tree via a short...

Bush WalksTui Mine TrackDay Trip Descent from Mount Te Aroha Past a Historic Mine3.5 hr8.4 kmHardNo dogsTui Mine Track: a 3 hr 30 min advanced DOC descent from Mount Te Aroha past the historic Tui Mine to town. Summit loop, water, cold, no dogs.

Reserve WalksTutarawānanga - Yatton ParkArboretum, Walks and Family FunToiletsTutarawānanga Yatton Park in Parkvale, Tauranga: a nationally significant arboretum with estuary views, walks and family facilities.

Estuary WalksWaikareao Estuary Walkway9km Loop Track2 hr9 km loopEasyWaikareao Estuary Walkway is a flat 9km loop in central Tauranga on boardwalks through mangroves, about 2 hours on foot, with birdlife and bike access.

Estuary WalksWaimapu Estuary WalkwayScenic Estuary Loop1 hr3.3 kmDogs on leashFind the Waimapu Estuary Walkway in Tauranga, connecting Yatton Park with estuary views, tall trees, and dog-friendly paths. Check water before swimming.

Bush WalksWaipapa Track to Waitawheta HutDay Trip Ridge Tramp from Waiorongomai Saddle3 hr9.4 kmHardNo dogsWaipapa Track to Waitawheta Hut: a 3 hr advanced DOC tramp from Waiorongomai Saddle near Te Aroha. Route, hut, stream crossings, no dogs.

River WalksWairere Falls TrackHike to North Island's Highest Waterfall3-4 hr return5 km returnEasy to moderateToiletsWairere Falls is the highest waterfall in New Zealand's North Island at 153 metres.

Bush WalksWaitawheta TramwayDay Trip Along a Historic Bush Tramway near Waihi8 hr return19 km returnNo dogsWaitawheta Tramway: an intermediate DOC walk on an old 1898 bush tramway near Waihi to Waitawheta Hut. Family option, times, rain alerts, no dogs.

Bush WalksWaitengaue TrackOld Bush Tramway Tramp to Waitawheta Hut4 hr one way9.8 kmHardNo dogsWaitengaue Track: a 4 hr advanced DOC tramp from Woodland Road to Waitawheta Hut on an old bush tramway. Route, dogs and DOC status.