Hiking and Walking
The Trails
All access to the Wairere property is at your own risk.
We are open every day during daylight hours. The boulder areas have dangerous drops and uneven surfaces that must not be traversed in the dark; please ensure that you are not in the Boulder reserve after dusk unless you have appropriate lights.
Please wear appropriate hiking/walking shoes - if wet, it may be muddy in some areas.
The Boulder Loop Track - Easy 40 mins - 1 hr walk
The Loop Tack - 40 mins - 1hr walk
Magic Rock Tramp - 2 and and half to 3 hours. Top of the Farm, fantastic views of the Hokianga
Bush Pool Swimming Hole Walk - on a side track off the Boulder Loop Track
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Your tramp begins at the Information Shed. The Information Shed is packed with photos and stories which tell you about the history, geology and people who have been important to the Wairere Boulders and our part of the Hokianga Harbour. Here you can pick up your map of the Reserve and clues to find our hidden rock animals and fairy houses for the kids.
Dogs are not permitted on the trails due to our predator control program, and risks to livestock and kiwi. They can be exercised in the campground.
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The Boulder Loop leads over bridges, boardwalks and stairs, under and over the boulders along the valley floor and is an easy 40 minute - 1 hour walk. Search for our Boulder Beasts and fairy doors along the way and take a detour through the Dragon cave. A side walk through the Nikau forest leads you to our swimming hole, where you are welcome to stop for a dip. Get the kids to keep a look out for the forbidden animal along the way.
Sections of the Boulder Loop Track
The Lookout Track takes you up the side of the valley and through the bush, climbing behind the boulders as you walk up to the viewpoint. The bush walk is rich with a diverse selection of New Zealand native flora and when you reach the top, a spectacular view awaits you. Up here the boulders are vast and the river runs far down beneath them. The rocks appear like giant stepping stones leading all the way back to the Hokianga Harbour. Walking time is an additional 40 minutes or so.
Sections of the Lookout Track
The Magic Rock Tramp marks the top of the farm and the site of the original lava flow. It is the only part of that flow not to have rolled down the hill. For the fit and energetic you can hike all the way to the Magic rock for a spectacular view of the Hokianga Habour that stretches to the Panguru sand dunes. The Magic Rock walk branches off the Lookout Trail and takes an additional hour. If you combine this walk with the rest of the trails it will take 2 and a half to 3 hours in total. As this walk is across pasture land, good footwear is important, as the route can become quite wet and muddy. You might also see Highland Cattle sharing your paddock (not the goats in the photo below). These cattle will shy away from people, but are capable of defending themselves if provoked. Please do not approach the animals.
Magic Rock and Vista of the Hokianga Habour
The Bush Pool Swimming Hole
Take a break during your walk to dip your feet, or more, into the Wairere Stream, and have a true forest pool, swimming experience.
The Bush Pool swimming Hole is found on a side track off the Boulder Loop and through the Nikau forest. Our river water is dark brown due to the tannins that are washed from the bush. It is not dirty or polluted, simply filtered by the natural landscape of our area. It is safe to swim in, but care must be taken due to invisible rocks beneath the water surface. Do NOT jump in unless you have checked for submerged rocks first.
