Russell Forest walks (Ngaiotonga to Russell Forest)
Track category
Walking track
Description
Looking up into the canopy at
Ngaiotonga
The track is marked and goes straight up the hill through fern and open bush and meets up with the forestry road that runs to Papakauri.
As you walk along the Ngaiotonga Saddle you will reach the Te Ranga Trig which provides an amazing view of the Bay of Islands and the Whangaruru Harbour.
The track is well marked and goes through fern and open bush and ends up on the Russell Forest Road.
View a track location map
Punaruku Track
Punaruku Road - Papakauri Road
Time: 5 hr
Distance: 12 km
Punaruku Road - the saddle on Russell Road (north)
Time: 9 hr
Distance: 21 km
Travelling north on the Russell Road, pull off at the Punaruku Road sign, and park in the rest area (we do not recommended leaving your car here overnight). From this point walk down Punaruku Road. The track is marked and goes straight up the hill through fern and open bush and meets up with the forestry road that runs to Papakauri. The walk includes amazing views down the Whangaruru Harbour and the forest.
Papakauri Track
Approximately half way along the Papakauri track there is an overnight shelter with an open area where you can spend the night. From this point, the track runs back inland towards Papakauri Road before heading along the Ngaiotonga Saddle. Most of this track is old forestry road.
Getting there
Travelling north on the Russell Road, pull off at the Punaruku Road sign, and park in the rest area (we do not recommended leaving your car here overnight). From this point walk down Punaruku Road until you reach the start of the track.
Plan and prepare
Track location map
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