The Paihia – Russell Coastal Walk

There’s a fascinating walk from North Base that takes you around the coastline, over some hills and across the water by ferry. If you wish, continue all the way to Russell and return on the passenger ferry. It’s a full-day excursion in all the interesting stops along the way. The terrain is varied and a reasonable level of fitness and good footwear is required. It also pays to check tide times for negotiating the start point beyond the beach.

From Paihia, walk along the beach towards Opua. The first section crosses a little beach known as Sullivan’s to Te Haumi Bay, a coastal walk that can be difficult for some at high tide. The road over the hill is an alternative route.

There’s a small sign across the bridge that points to the coastal bush track that traverses the hill. Walk under re-generating native bush, primarily Ti tree, to around five metres in elevation. The regrowth provides dappled light giving welcome shade on a hot day. Enjoy a variety of bird life as you pause to take in the view of the bay. There are several stunning look-out points along the way, the track presenting a few ups and downs but nothing breathlessly steep.

Pass through the holiday park before getting on the boardwalk leading to Opua. Arriving at the port, walk along the marina promenade and stop at a cafe if you’re ready for a break. The car ferry access is an extension of the road to Russell, and foot passengers can cross for just $1.

Allow 1 hour 30 minutes to walk the North Base to Opua section.

Disembark the ferry at the settlement of Okiato, where New Zealand’s colonial government operated for a short time from 1840 to 1841. The site of the first government building is now a park. There’s little to see other than the original well and a plaque commemorating Okiato’s place in history. There’s a sign showing the start of the track near an old post box.

This section of the coastal track is more challenging than you’ve walked so far, particularly if it’s wet underfoot when the clay can be slippery. It’s an undulating trail with some steps along the way, walking through native bush, wetland flats and over the boardwalk at Orongo Bay. Sign posts indicate stages 1 to 4 of the track.

Follow the valley floor before climbing through established native bush to the road. Once you’ve passed Orongo Bay and walked along the boardwalk that weaves through the mangroves and inside the oyster farm, you are primarily taking the road to Russell. Take care as the road gets busy connecting to the car ferry.

Russell is of course a must-see part of any Northland experience. Explore the historic town as much as time and energy levels allow, then catch the ferry across to Paihia wharf.

Allow 3 hours to walk from Okiato to Russell. Allowing 30 minutes for two ferry rides, a total of around five hours to complete the circuit, not including time spent at Russell.