A day-by-day itinerary and details of the beautiful Nuku Walk

Arrival & Night 1 Accommodation

Directions for arrival:

From Mangatoa road turn onto Waikawau Rd and just as you cross the bridge there sits the Red Cottage on your right (4 Waikawau Rd) - your accommodation for the evening.

We have chosen for you to spend the first night here partly for your safety, so you can come up the smaller Te Marama Rd fresh in the morning and enjoy the view.  But also down the end of Waikawau Rd is the infamous Waikawau tunnel, which has a very cute setting and is well worth a visit.

Have a rest then either drive down to visit or why not use the bicycles available?! The tunnel was formed by 3 men completing it in 1911 with a pick, shovel and wheelbarrow. It was formed to allow stock to be droved down the coast and out to Awakino saleyards or the abattoir in Waitara. It was big enough for a man on a horse with a hat to comfortably pass.

As the day winds down, enjoy a delicious, prepared meal, setting the perfect tone for your walking adventure to commence tomorrow.

We’ll come by at 7pm to help you get ready for the adventure ahead.

 

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Two people hiking on grassy hillside near ocean with blue sky. Modern building in background.
Hikers on grassy hill near volcanic landscape with distant mountains and cloudy sky.

Walk Day 1 and Night 2 Accommodation

Red Cottage to Nukuhakari Bay - 13km

After a beautiful breakfast, wait for the school children to arrive and then begin a slow meander up Te Marama Rd, the road is metal, narrow and windy in places.  Please drive hugging the left side and take your time, enjoy the beautiful journey, but be vigilant to possible oncoming traffic.

We will be waiting to greet you at the end of the driveway, past the sign ‘Nukuhakari Station’.

Here, you will be briefed on health and safety requirements and information about your walk, and we will be able to answer any questions you may have.

The walk commences over farmland and stream, progressing under Mt Whareorino - an extinct volcano - and then dipping in and out of bush with epic views. Finally, popping out to enjoy a beautiful meadow a great spot to enjoy lunch and maybe a cool down in the rockpool spa creek. Then progress through another unique bush section full of Nikau stands and lovely mature Puketea trees, before joining up with another old forestry track.

You’ll emerge and follow farmlands and a stream down the coast of Nukuhakari Bay, with views of bush covered hills, farmland and black sand beach, arriving at your next accommodation: a rustic A-frame and cabins, with views of mountain, farmland and sea.

Upon arrival, dinner will be prepped for you, only requiring you to very simply cook following our easy, clear instructions. Enjoy!

Group of people gathered around an outdoor fireplace, engaging in conversation and enjoying a social gathering at dusk.
Day 1 of Nuku Walk arrival and accommodation
Three hikers standing around a large, old tree in a grassy area with scattered smaller trees in the background.
Day 1 Walk red cottage to nukuhakari station bush shotportrait.jpg

Walk Day 2 and Night 3 Accommodation

Back Bay to Front (Mangangu) Bay - 13km

Wake up and prepare and enjoy your own breakfast and lunch with the produce made available.

After a leisurely breakfast, start winding your way up from the beach towards Tirua Point. Continue across farmland to be greeted with epic sea views from the aptly named- Bluff paddock…don’t step too close to the edge!

Continue walking through farmland enjoying these expansive views, then duck down to the coast to enjoy it up close, arriving at Ngararahae Bay. The dunes have been painstakingly planted for over a decade to protect and create an eco habitat, thanks to staff and volunteer help.

Continue up the sand dunes and back over farmland to the coast, winding down to Front Bay via the old ‘staircase’ or stock track - through the flax to the beach. Walk along the beach to accommodation nestled above the sea.

Dinner will once again be prepped for you to cook and enjoy at your leisure.

Two hikers walking along grassy cliffside overlooking the ocean with overcast sky.
A man and woman sitting outdoors on grass, both wearing hats and casual clothing, with backpacks near them, smiling at each other.
Three people hiking up a grassy hillside near a coastline with black sand beach and lush green hills in the background.
Two people sitting on a deck overlooking the ocean, watching the sunset, with two lanterns beside them.

Day 3 and Return To Your Transport

Front Bay to Your Vehicle

This morning enjoy the beach and your coffee with peace, serenity and incredible views - take your time. 

Then walk the front bay beach again, this time up the staircase to tackle the path upwards to the lookout. 

This is an incredible old sacred (formerly fortified) pa site with 360 degree views of almost the entire journey you have just taken.  Wind down the track crossing the airstrip, then along the final flax planted pathway for home, perhaps you would enjoy a quick dip in the station kids creek pool on your way past to your awaiting vehicle? Enjoy a final bite and possibly spruce up before you embark on your journey homeward.

Coastal landscape with grassy hills and black sand beach, featuring ocean waves and people in the foreground among tall plants, during a cloudy sunset.
Smiling person wearing sunglasses and a cap, hiking with a backpack in grassy landscape.
Two sheep in a grassy field
Hand pouring coffee from a black carafe into a white ceramic mug on a table, with another mug and a dessert with toppings nearby.

Visit our Accommodation & Food to see where you’ll stay and what you’ll eat, or review our bookings calendar for availability over the 2025 and 2026 season.

Ready to book? Great!