Waikare Connection - by Road Bypass
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Walking
The Russell Forest Track has been removed from Te Araroa following consultation with local iwi. The routes described lead to the eastern end of Papakauri Road, near km 287.
Two options exist to negotiate the Waikare Inlet from Paihai or Opua through to the Punaruku Estuary on Whangaruru Harbour
- Waikare Connection - by Water
- Waikare Connection - by Road Bypass via the ferry from Opua to Okiato.
There is also the option to ferry from Paihia to Russell (and a chance to explore some of New Zealand's history in Russell), and take the Russell to Okiato walkway until you get to the Gas station at the junction of Aucks road. Alternatively, connect with Sheryl Wikaere and travel with her to Waikare - (there will be a cost involved and this is unsuitable for bigger groups)
Waikare Connection - by Road Bypass
By road via Ferry from Opua to Okiato - 14km
Walk from Paihia 6kms to Opua and take the vehicular ferry over the Veronica Channel to Okiato. From there, follow Aucks Rd for 5 km to the GAS Russell Garage at the junction with the Russell Whakapara Rd. Continue east into Russell-Whakapara Rd for another 9 km to the junction with Waikare Road at km 268.9, where walkers who have taken the kayak option via Waikare will join your route.
If you want a more relaxing route between exiting the ferry and joining with the Russell Whakapara Rd, 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 245, 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. Continue east into Russell-Whakapara Rd for another 9 km to the junction with Waikare Road at km 268.5, where walkers who have taken the kayak option via Waikare will join your route
Russell Whakapara Road from km 268.9 - 18km
Continue on Russell Whakapara Rd for approximately 13 km to The Farm, a friendly camping place, or continue for another 4.5 km to pass Papakauri Road (the original Russell Forest Trail) at km marker 287. A further 1.5kms south is Tammy's Place at 2999 Russell Road.
Conditions
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
Northern Start: Opua Wharf, Opua, Bay of Islands
Southern End: Waikare
Transport
Accommodation
Russell Outback Eco Retreat - Near the corner of Russell Whakapara Road and Paroa Bay Rd, 11 km from Okiato. 17 Paroa Bay Road. We have one cabin to let out which can sleep 6 people, with self contained kitchen, outdoor fire and bathroom. The cost is $120 / night and they would need to contact us in advance to book in. Call or text Clair on 021 558 514
The Farm - 3632 Russell Road - $25/night to camp. Book online, or contact them at 09 553 3266 Stay@thefarm.co.nz
Food And Supply
Track Elevation and Map
Total 1 photos. Click image above to view them all.
More information
Before starting Te Araroa either as a through-walker of the whole country or a section walker, please register on Te Araroa website. Please also visit the website or download the app for detailed maps, trail alerts and other relevant information.
This track is part of the Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa track database. Herenga ā Nuku has maps and advice about public access to the outdoors.
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz.
We recommend trying these online learning tools:
Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel.
Page last updated: 19/08/2025, 2:23 pm