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Hiker surveying the water along Little River Rakiura Track, Rakiura Stewart Island

Great Walks mythbusting

Department of Conservation — 08/05/2024

Reminder – Great Walks bookings are opening between 28 May – 6 June for the 2024/25 season. DOC works hard to remind people our popular Great Walks can book out very quickly. Just like a concert, it’s first in first served- but every year we get a high number of queries around why people couldn’t secure their desired spot.

From people asking if we gave all the best spots to tourism businesses even before bookings opened, to claims bulk bookings were being made by bots or, heaven forbid, Australians (seriously), we’ve heard it all. This blog tackles the most common misconceptions and provides advice on how best to bag your spot on one of our fabulous Great Walks.

Myth #1: The Great Walks are all booked out

No, they aren’t – not even close!

Sure, the Milford Track is a beast that can make a liar out of that headline, but even the Milford has cancellations across the year. Meanwhile there’s so much to get excited about on the other Great Walk experiences, that’s how they earned their status after all.

Across the network of 10 Great Walks*, there’s almost always space available, especially if you’re able to be flexible with your travel plans.

*Hump Ridge Track

The Hump Ridge Track is an existing multi-day walk that can be booked in advance through the Hump Ridge Trust. The track will become a ‘Great Walk’ in October 2024 and will continue to be booked via the Trust’s booking system. Bookings are already open for the 2024/25 season for the Hump Ridge Track.

Top tip: Great Walks with the most hut capacity include the Whanganui River Journey, Tongariro Northern Circuit, Lake Waikaremoana, Rakiura, Abel Tasman Coast and Heaphy tracks (especially in shoulder seasons). See graph below.

Myth #2: It’s just the Milford right?

Nope. We have 10 Great Walks and they are all epic. Milford is pretty special, but there are nine other mind-blowingly beautiful Great Walks out there offering walking (plus biking and paddling on some Great Walks) opportunities throughout the year.

Climb over old lava flows on the Tongariro Northern Circuit, look out for kiwi on Rakiura and takahē on the Heaphy, follow the footsteps of goldminers on the Paparoa, paddle down the Whanganui River and stay at a marae – every Great Walks experience is special.

Do it your way…hike, run, bike, paddle; camp or stay in a hut; do part of a walk or the whole thing.

Top tip: If it’s diversity of scenery, incredible nature (including takahē) and lush rainforest you’re after, try the Heaphy.

*Takahē on the Heaphy Track. 📷: Jake Osbourne*

Myth #3: You can’t camp on a Great Walk

Milford and Paparoa tracks are the only Great Walks where campsites aren’t provided. You can book camp sites on all the other walks. We know carrying a tent, sleeping bag and mat, and all the cooking equipment you’ll need, really isn’t for everyone. But for those who are keen and able, this is a cheaper option. Camping offers heaps of capacity for groups and night-time quiet and privacy for those who want it.

Top tip: For people new to combining camping with tramping, with a warmer climate and multiple entry and exit points allowing you to do shorter trips, the Abel Tasman Coast Track would be a good place to start.

Myth #4: Half the places are taken before bookings open

No, they really aren’t! No one gets early access to the booking system: for example, my workmate has worked for DOC for 15 years and still has to book a Great Walks spot the same way everyone else does.

Agents – such as i-SITES which make bookings for customers over the counter or on the phone – and concessionaires (the majority of which are walking or kayaking guides) book Great Walks in the same way the public does (i.e., online when bookings open on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, including the details of each client).

Top tip: No one gets an advantage, so it does pay to be prepared in advance of bookings opening:

• Check our website in April to see when bookings open for each Great Walk and set a reminder in advance of bookings opening for you preferred walk.

• 2024 MUST DO: Make sure you have created your customer account in advance of bookings opening this year;

This year DOC has combined the Great Walks and huts and campsites booking systems to make booking more straightforward. This means you will only need a single account to book the Great Walks and all other accommodation next season.

If you don’t already have an account on the existing huts and campsites booking system you will need to create a new log in and account at https://bookings.doc.govt.nz/Web/.

• We recommend using the latest versions of either Chrome or Firefox web browsers. Also, having a strong internet connection will help, as losing connectivity part way thorough your booking will often lead to the loss of that booking.

• If you open the booking screen prior to the specified opening time you will need to refresh your screen when bookings open to see where there are spaces and to make your booking.

• Have a few dates in mind, and consider choosing quieter times (i.e., not New Year, long weekends, Easter etc) or less popular walks.

• Have the details of everyone in your group to hand so you can quickly enter these into the system.

• Try again for dates, as multiple group members may make duplicate booking and then drop them particularly during the first 25 minutes of bookings opening. Also try again over the coming months as people cancel.

• Finally – be prepared (like booking concert tickets remember). For peak dates and popular walks, there’s a good chance no matter how organised you are, you may not get your preferred spot. We can’t control booking demand, but we do work to operate a fair and even system.

Myth #5: Tourism businesses are taking up all the spots

No, they absolutely aren’t. Our bookings data shows public/independent bookings make up 93% of total bed-nights booked. Concessionaires (e.g., guides and tourism agents) make up just 4% of bookings and 3% are school or community groups. Concessionaires must enter (into the booking system) the names and details of each person booked before the start of their booking. (Yes, we do check to make sure rules are being followed).

Across all 10 Great Walks we have more than 280,000 hut bed nights for sale.

Top tip: Not everyone has the skills, physical abilities, or confidence to set out on a multi-day tramp independently. If you’d like more support, or just want a comfy bed and hot shower at the end of the day, guided walking options might be for you, or spend a single night at one of the Great Walks Hut.

Myth #6: Great Walks are mainly for international visitors

Although these walks are world-famous and well loved by our international guests, they have always been popular with Kiwis. The introduction of differential pricing for international visitors (now on eight Great Walks) has led to a rise in New Zealanders accessing these walks, and, of course, the previous pandemic border restrictions saw the numbers of Kiwis on these walks go through the roof. While borders were closed 97% of bookings were from New Zealanders. Since the borders have re-opened around 30% of all bookings are from international visitors.

Top tip: You can take your children for an overnight option on most of the walks. Our recommendation would be hiking into Routeburn Flats Hut or taking a water taxi in to overnight on the Abel Tasman Coast Track.

Myth #7: “DOC should just put more huts in!”

Although we have already established there’s heaps of capacity across the 10 Great Walks, we get asked all the time why we don’t just expand huts and bunk spaces – on the Paparoa and Milford tracks in particular. The Great Walks have a limited number of bed spaces (camping space and bunks in huts), to keep numbers at an appropriate level – this ensures the natural and cultural heritage surrounding these walks is protected and that people have a high-quality experience on them.

Top tip: Most Great walks can be done in either direction so if your preferred huts are booked out going one way on a walk, try seeing if there might be availability across your preferred dates doing the walk in the opposite direction.

Myth #8: We can only do the Great Walks in the summer

With the right skills, preparation and packing, five Great Walks can be undertaken all year round: Lake Waikaremoana, Abel Tasman, Heaphy, Paparoa and Rakiura.

Due to greatly increased risks for walkers over the colder months, there is a Great Walks Season (October to April) for the southern Great Walks (Milford, Routeburn and Kepler) and Tongariro Northern Circuit and Whanganui River Journey. Outside the Great Walks Season these walks should only be attempted by fit, experienced and well-equipped people as facilities are greatly reduced and there are additional hazards such as ice underfoot, river crossings and avalanches.

Check out our Know Before You Go webpage for Alerts and preparation advice.

Top tip: Winter is generally a great time to get onto the Heaphy and Abel Tasman tracks.

Totaranui beach, Abel Tasman National Park. Photo: Samuel Mann | CC BY 2.0. — *Abel Tasman Track*

In summary, we acknowledge the disappointment many are feeling at not getting their spot on their preferred walk. Alongside DOC’s delight at seeing more New Zealanders than ever take up the opportunity to get onto their world-famous walks (this is what our heritage and visitor rangers and teams come to work for), we also acknowledge if 3,240 people bagged their spot on the Milford within the first hour of bookings opening, then it’s likely another 3,240 people missed out. That sucks for them. We wish we could enable all New Zealanders (even those who wouldn’t do a Great Walk if you paid them) could get out and enjoy a Great Walk (no seriously non-Great Walk people, we think you’d love it – go on).

The Great Walks are diverse and delivered locally to suit the nature of each walk and align with National Park Management Plans etc., so the rules and systems do vary.

You do need to do some organising in advance. Besides booking onto the walks, you need to do your homework regarding how to ensure you are properly prepared for your adventure and there are wider logistics to sort including transport to and from the start and finish of each walk.

Our Great Walks are the popstars of the walking world. The pressure on peak dates for popular walks or walks where bed spaces are (out of necessity) limited, can certainly make the booking process competitive. We do however ensure the system has significant capacity to deal with the high demand and as a result the Milford does sell out rapidly.

We understand why customers might be surprised by how quickly space are filled, but it is a case of demand exceeding supply.

This also means some will try to get around the system by making speculative bookings or trying to on-sell their spots. Our investigations show this hasn’t been a significant issue to date, but we are onto this and have checks and balances in place to prevent it from happening. We also monitor bookings and have a team to respond where needed.

At the heart of our Great Walks booking system is a team of dedicated people ensuring we provide a fair and transparent service delivering the best possible opportunity for everyone to get into nature.

In Great Walks bookings, mythbusting

10 short walks with squawks – for bird nerds

Department of Conservation — 22/12/2023

Short walks and leisurely activities like sightseeing, photography, and bird and wildlife watching were the most popular outdoor activities for Kiwi and international visitors last summer according to DOC’s annual visitor insights.

So, it makes sense to combine two passions for double the fun this summer, right? How about mixing a short walk with native bird spotting?

From the far north to the deep south, through lush native bush, ancient forests and rugged coastlines, New Zealand has the perfect mix of short walks and unique birds: New Zealand birds A – Z: Native animal conservation (doc.govt.nz)

Here are 10 awesome short walks where the birdsong is varied and sweet.

Note: always check the DOC website for Alerts before you go.

Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway, Northland

The walk – Breathtaking coastal views extending from Bream Head in the north down to the Tāwharanui Peninsula in the south. The Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island/Aotea are often seen on the horizon. The track starts along the beach, then climbs quite steeply for about 20 minutes to a lookout point. It then winds past ancient pōhutukawa teetering on the sheer slopes before descending to the stony beach below. From here you can walk back along the beach (8 km), but only at low tide. Keep to the marked track as it crosses private property.

The birds – New Zealand pigeon/kererū/kūkupa and North Island kākā make occasional visits from the offshore islands.

Kererū play a special role in regenerating New Zealand’s native forests. They’re one of only two bird species (Chatham Island pigeon/parea is the other) that can help spread the seeds of native trees like karaka, miro, tawa and taraire.

Kākā are boisterous and social, they like to gather first thing in the morning and late at night for a good gossip.

Motukiore Island Walk, Whangārei area

The walk – Be prepared to get your feet wet as the track makes its way through the mangroves with the ‘Pines’ fairways on one side and the Whangārei Harbour on the other.

The sandspit out to the island is walkable at low tide only. Crossing is only possible up to two hours either side of low tide.

Once out on the island you can roam as you like, from the prominent pā at the southern end of the island to the site of an historic homestead at the northern end. Motukiore Island is in Parua Bay, 400m east of the end of Manganese Point.

The birds – Motukiore Island is a 5-ha recreation reserve. Mature pōhutukawa trees surround the shoreline and the birdlife is abundant around the Island. New Zealand Fairy Tern/Tara iti and oystercatcher/tōrea pango are frequent visitors.

New Zealand fairy tern/tara iti is probably New Zealand’s rarest native breeding bird. It has a population of fewer than 40 individuals including approximately nine breeding pairs.

Oystercatchers/tōrea are very vocal; loud piping is used in territorial interactions and when alarmed. Chicks are warned of danger with a sharp, loud ‘chip’ or ‘click’. Adults have black uppers, and their undersides vary from all black, through a range of ‘smudgy’ intermediate states to white.

Shorebird – variable oystercatcher – Image: Shelley Ogle ©

Rangitoto Summit Track, Auckland

The walk – Well-formed paths wind through ancient lava fields, which support the largest pōhutukawa forest in the world and provide a home to dozens of shore, sea and forest birds. At the summit another track circles the rim of the crater. Take a side trip to the lava caves or an alternative route to Rangitoto Wharf. Check out the DOC website for more information.

The birds – Rangitoto’s pest-free status has seen native forest birds like bellbird/korimako*, New Zealand pigeon/kererū/kūkupa, tūī, fantail/pīwakawaka, grey warbler/riroriro, whitehead/pōpokotea and New Zealand parakeet/kākāriki flock back to survive and thrive.

*Most New Zealanders can easily recognise the bellbird/korimako by its song, which Captain Cook described as sounding ‘like small bells exquisitely tuned’. They have three distinct sounds, and songs vary enormously from one place to another. You can listen to recordings of their songs on the DOC website:

doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/native-animals/birds/bird-song/bellbird-06.mp3

Arohaki Lagoon Track, Whirinaki, East Coast, North Island

The walk – The track follows an old disused hauling track before descending and crossing the Waiatiu Stream.

The track follows a spur and climbs to a terrace before continuing west and reaching a viewing platform at Arohaki Lagoon at the end of the track. The ephemeral rain-fed lagoon is surrounded by towering kahikatea and is often alive with frog croaking – and in times of drought, appears to dry up.

The birds – Impressive tawa/podocarp forest leads to a rain-fed waterway which is home to several rare birds. Birdlife includes blue duck/whio*, North Island kākā, red and yellow crowned kākāriki, kiwi and New Zealand pigeon/kererū/kūkupa.

*Blue duck/whio are a taonga (treasured) species that Māori have a strong cultural, spiritual, and historic connection with.

Whio adult and ducklings – Image: Tyrone Smith | DOC

Their Māori name is whio in the North Island or ko whio whio in the South Island, which depicts the call of the male bird. They are forever watchful and will always see you before you see them, when the male will sound the alarm call.

Motueka Sandspit, Nelson/Tasman region

The walk – An internationally recognised site for local and migrant shorebirds, Motueka Sandspit is part of the Motueka River delta, which consists of the sandspit, the river mouth, and the ‘Kumaras’ estuary.

The birds – This site is considered internationally important (under the Ramsar convention for wetlands) due to the number of Eastern bar-tailed godwit/kuaka*, variable oystercatcher/tōrea, and South Island pied oystercatcher that use the site. Other birds using the site are banded dotterel/tūturiwhatu, ruddy turnstone, terns and gulls.

*Eastern bar-tailed godwits/kuaka are one of 35 species which come to New Zealand every summer from their breeding ground in the Arctic. They all fly huge distances as the seasons change to either exploit rich feeding grounds or to avoid frozen lands.

NZ dotterel chick – Image: Thomas Hamill

Craigieburn Nature Trail, Canterbury

The walk – The trail heads through mountain beech forest and begins at the Environmental Education Centre. You can have a close look at different stages of beech tree life and what grows on the trees – lichens and mosses – and a small insect that secretes honey dew (a small droplet of sweet liquid that birds feed on). Between late December to February the red flowers of native mistletoe/pikirangi can produce patches of blazing colour in the tree canopy.

The birds – Common native forest birds living in this area include bellbird/korimako, tomtit/miromiro and grey warbler/riroriro*.

*”In the warm sunlight of advancing summer, when the manuka-scrub is covered with its snow-white bloom and the air is laden with the fragrance of forest flowers, amidst the hum of happy insect-life, a soft trill of peculiar sweetness—like the chirping of a merry cricket—falls upon the ear, and presently a tiny bird appears for an instant on the topmost twigs of some low bush, hovers for a few moments, like a moth before a flower, or turns a somersault in the air, and then drops out of sight again. This is the Grey Warbler, the well-known Riroriro of Māori history and song.”
– Sir Walter Lawry Buller, A History of the Birds of New Zealand, 1888, London

Devils Punchbowl Walking Track, Canterbury

The walk – Follow the footbridge across the Bealey River. The next bridge, over Devils Punchbowl Creek, has a good view of the waterfall. From here, wander through lush beech forest with friendly fantail/pīwakawaka and tomtit/miromiro before climbing 150 m up a series of steps to a viewing platform at the base of this spectacular waterfall.

The birds – Kea love this place as much as people do. If you see or are approached by kea, please don’t feed them. This can change their natural behaviour and put them at risk.

There’s also a good chance you’ll hear great spotted kiwi/roroa during a twilight evening walk.

Bob’s Cove Bridal Track, Queenstown

The walk – Follow history along the original Bridle track linking Queenstown and Glenorchy. Original schist retaining walls can still be seen north of Bob’s Cove.

The birds – Kōwhai, fuchsia and rātā trees border Lake Whakatipu, feeding nectar-loving birds such as bellbird/korimako and tūī*. The tender shoots of the flowering kōwhai and fuchsia are eaten by New Zealand pigeon/kererū/kūkupa. The track also passes through one of the last remaining mature stands of red beech around Whakatipu.

*Tūī are very attractive birds that can often be heard singing their beautiful melodies before they are spotted. You will recognise them by their distinctive white tuft under their throat.

Tūi are important pollinators of many native trees and will fly large distances, especially during winter for their favourite foods. They feed mainly on nectar from flowers of native plants such as kōwhai, puriri, rewarewa, kahikatea, pohutukawa, rātā and flax/harakeke. Occasionally they will eat insects too.

Tūī – Image: Leon Berard | Creative Commons

Glory Track, Invercargill area

The walk – This track can be made into a loop by joining the Foveaux Walkway along the coast. Starting at either Stirling Point or Gunpit road, this track winds through diverse native bush passing historic features including the WWII gun pit and lookout bunker. There are scenic views across Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island/Rakiura and you can catch a glimpse of the iconic Dog Island Lighthouse. Throughout your journey you will notice the varied and lively birdsong brought back to Motupohue (Bluff Hill) by extensive restoration work.

The birds – The Motupohue Environment Trust has been controlling predators in the area, which has allowed the bush to regenerate and thrive. In 2017 South Island robin/kakaruai was reintroduced and now there is lively birdsong and a healthy forest environment.

Lake Gunn Nature Walk, Fiordland

The walk – This short loop takes you through a tranquil beech forest with many trees covered in moss and great views of Lake Gunn and the surrounding mountains. A short side path takes you out onto a stony beach. From here you get a good view of the mountains that surround Lake Gunn. The walk is very popular throughout the year but isn’t as busy in the colder months. The track is near the popular Cascade Creek Campsite.

The birds – The Eglinton valley is a stronghold for New Zealand’s native birds: South Island robin/kakaruai, South Island kākā, yellowhead/mohua* as well as short-tailed and long-tailed bats/pekapeka. *The yellowhead/mohua is a small, insect eating bird which lives only in the forests of New Zealand’s South Island and Stewart Island. To listen to this pretty little bird’s song, visit:

doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/native-animals/birds/bird-song/yellowhead-song.mp3

Remember: always give wildlife space

Get set for summer (doc.govt.nz)

Check out our tips for photographing birds and other wildlife in nature:

Nature Photography Beginner’s Guide

Other resources: Home page | New Zealand Birds Online (nzbirdsonline.org.nz)

In Native animals, Recreation family friendly walks, native animals, native birds, nature, new zealand native birds, walking

Exploring New Zealand’s Lighthouses

Department of Conservation — 06/05/2023

From Cape Reinga at the top of the North Island to Waipapa Point in the South, we have 23 historic lighthouses dotted across the country.

With New Zealand a maritime nation, beginning with the first Polynesian explorers to reach its coast, each lighthouse has its own rich history and stories to discover. Get out and about and explore some of New Zealand’s most beautiful and rugged coastline vistas.

Northland:

Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga is about an hour and a half drive from Kaitaia at the top of the North Island. This short child/buggy-friendly walk features breathtaking panoramic views and a number of information plaques. See where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean and snap a photo beside Cape Reinga’s iconic lighthouse, built in 1941.

Te Rerenga Wairua/Cape Reinga is considered the most spiritually significant place in New Zealand for Māori. It is believed to be the place at which their spirits travel before climbing down the roots of the Pohutukawa Tree clinging precariously to a rock below, and returning to the land of their ancestors, Hawaiiki.

Cape Brett

(Not for the faint of heart) the Cape Brett track will take you on a hard 16km journey (one-way) with spectacular coastal views, steep cliffs and regenerative bush. So make sure you are appropriately equipped. Stay overnight at this stunning location in the lighthouse keeper’s cottage, then catch a water taxi back to civilisation the following day from Deep Water Cove.

It is said that when Māori first arrived in Aotearoa, the dawn light reflecting off the sheer cliffs of Rakaumangamanga helped to guide Waka to a safe landfall. More recently, since 1910, the lighthouse has lit and protected all seafarers navigating this part of Aotearoa’s coast and continues to do so today.

Tutukaka

This family-friendly walk will take about an hour; running along the top of the headland, and down onto the rocks you’ll be able to follow the old lighthouse power poles and at low tide cross to Kukutauwhao Island.

After a final short climb, the track finishes at the Tutukaka lighthouse at the end of the headland, where stunning ocean views and a new perspective on Auckland will reward your efforts.

Auckland:

Rangitoto

Make a day trip out of this one – about two and a half hours one way (so don’t forget to check ferry times), the Lighthouse Walk to McKenzie Bay will take you west from the wharf along the coast to one of two natural sand beaches on Rangitoto. It’s the perfect place to stop for a picnic and swim.

The iconic red and white structure is not officially a lighthouse. Instead the Rangitoto Beacon, built in 1882, flashes red every 12 seconds.

Tiritiri Matangi

An 80-minute ferry ride from Auckland CBD, the island is the perfect day trip destination for nature lovers and families.

Rich in both Māori and European history Tiritiri Matangi is also one of the most successful community-led conservation projects in the world. Invasive predators have been eradicated and rare native birds such as the kōkako and the takahē (once thought to be extinct) live and thrive in the restored habitats within regenerating native forests.

The lighthouse complex is one of only a few surviving lighthouse settlements in New Zealand, and the one easily accessible to the public. Built-in 1864, the lighthouse is also one of New Zealand’s oldest – and Auckland’s first – lighthouse station.

Wairarapa:

Castlepoint

An easy short walk that you can take your four-legged friend on (just don’t forget their leash).

Explore The Castlepoint Scenic Reserve by following the boardwalk over the reef down to the lighthouse. “The Holiday Light” is the North Island’s tallest lighthouse standing at 52 meters above sea level, and is one of only two left in New Zealand with a functioning rotating beam.

Matiu/Somes Island

Matiu/Some Island Lightouse — *The lighthouse on Matiu/Somes Island. Image: DOC*

Escape the capital’s hustle and bustle for a day and visit Matiu/Somes Island in the heart of Wellington Harbour. It laid the foundation for New Zealand’s sheep industry, as the first quality animals sent from Great Britain to establish the animals in Aotearoa arrived here at what was then a quarantine station for livestock.

With several easy walks, you’ll be able to wander around the predator-free scientific reserve. Once also the site of a Māori pa, as well as home to German Wellingtonians during the World Wars, it provides the visitor with 360-degree views of Wellington Harbour, native wildlife, and World War heritage, such as gun emplacements.

The light at Matiu/Somes has been guiding maritime traffic safely across Wellington’s at times treacherous Harbour since 1886 and was the first inner harbour lighthouse in New Zealand.

Marlborough:

Cape Campbell

This maritime gem is suitable for experienced backcountry hikers only.

The unmarked route will take you along the coast to Cape Campbell, the southernmost extreme of Cook Strait. Allow half a day for this walk and be aware that the walk out to the lighthouse should only be done at low tide.

The striking Cape Campbell lighthouse is the second at this site, built in 1903 to replace the original built in 1870.

Otago:

Nugget point

Named after its famous golden ‘nuggets’ of sandstone, Nugget Point is one of the most popular walks along the Caitln coast. A short and easy stroll leads you to the lighthouse, built in 1869 from locally quarried stone.

Nugget Point is a favourite for wildlife lovers, sunset chasers and historians alike. It is said the best time to visit is early in the morning or at sunset so visitors can make the most of the sensational panoramic views and often spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

Bursting with wildlife, the point is home to a colony of fur seals, one of the world’s rarest penguin species, the Yellow-eyed penguin/Hoiho, and is possibly one of the only places in the world that you might see seals, sea lions and elephant seals in the same area. They all love soaking up some sun out here.

Waipapa Point

Waipapa Lighthouse, New Zealand Lighthouses — *Waipapa Point Lighthouse in the Catlins, Southland. Image Shellie Evans*

A short family-friendly loop track leads you to the lighthouse along the coast. Buggie and wheelchair-accessible, Waipapa Point is a wonderful place for viewing sea birds and marine mammals.

The original Māori name for the area was Waipapapa, meaning shallow waters. The Waipapa Point lighthouse was first lit on 1 January 1884, it stands as a poignant reminder of New Zealand’s worst civilian maritime disaster, when the SS Tararua ran aground on Waipapa Reef,131 of its 151 passengers and crew drowning.

In Walking/hiking/tramping, Historic, Recreation lighthouse, Walks

Search Results For walks

Myth #1: The Great Walks are all booked out

Myth #2: It’s just the Milford right?

Myth #3: You can’t camp on a Great Walk

Myth #4: Half the places are taken before bookings open

Myth #5: Tourism businesses are taking up all the spots

Myth #6: Great Walks are mainly for international visitors

Myth #7: “DOC should just put more huts in!”

Myth #8: We can only do the Great Walks in the summer

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