Dukes Nose Hiking Trail Guide – Best Hikes in Northland

The Duke Nose Track offers some of the best views in Northland including the Whangaroa Harbour which is certainly classed as a hidden gem in Northland. This popular hiking trail near Auckland covers the pristine Wairakau Stream and is favoured for it’s dense native bush, fresh water rivers and incredible views along the harbour. The section of track between Lane Cove Hut and the summit of Dukes Nose can be classed as challenging, but the views are definitely worth the effort.

Dukes Nose Quick Facts

Location: Whangaroa Harbour (3.5hrs drive from Auckland)
Total Distance: 10km return via the Wairakau Stream track
Time: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Average – challenging
Best For: Coastal views, adventure seekers and landscape photographers

Getting to Dukes Nose from Auckland

The Dukes Nose hiking trail is a comfortable 3.5 hour drive north of Auckland. Whangarei is your last big town to do any last minute food shopping for necessities before you get to the start of the trail.

Head up state highway one then take a right turn onto state highway 10, follow that through Kaeo then you will eventually take a sharp right turn onto Totara North Road. Follow Totara North for a few kilometers, turning left onto Campbell Road.

The Dukes Nose track begins at the end of Wairakau Road which is just off Campbell Road.

Parking at Dukes Nose

There is a large carpark off Campbell Road which is a short 2 minute walk from the beginning of Wairakau Stream track. Parking costs $5 per vehicle, bank account details are supplied on a large sign so don’t worry about bringing cash.

If you’re lucky enough you may be able to get parking closer to the track entrance; head up Wairakau Road where you will be met with the beginning of the track, you can park along the bush side of the road as long as you don’t obstruct the entry or exit to any of the driveways up there.

Whangaroa Harbour Water Taxi to Lane Cove

If you want to see the views but have no interest in embarking on a 1.5hour hike to get there, check out the Whangaroa Harbour water taxi. This will take you to the Lane Cove DOC hut where you can start your ascent to the summit. Or better yet if you have access to your own boat you can make your way there at your own leisure. You can even enjoy a spot of fishing in the harbour if you so desire.

How Hard is Dukes Nose Hike, Really?

You will find that there are many mixed reviews online about the difficulty level of the Dukes Nose hike, some say it’s an extreme hike while others show photos of children having completed it. There are so many variables with this Northland hiking track which can make or break your experience if you haven’t prepared well. For comparison I found The Pinnacles hiking track far more difficult on the body than Dukes Nose; the most difficult part of the Dukes Nose hike is the final climb to the summit.

So keep reading to learn about the Do’s and Don’ts of Dukes Nose; the best time to hike and the necessities to pack if you’re planning an overnight hike like we did.

What to Expect

The first section of the hike is pretty boring, it’s a steady ascent up a clay covered driveway but don’t be disheartened by this! Once you reach the forest you will be in constant awe of the beauty and birdsong that accompanies you along your hike.

Expect a lot of tree root dodging, mud puddles, slippery surfaces and narrow sections of track. I’m not the most steadiest of people on my feet so there were sections where I was bending down with both hands clinging to tree roots or rocks to ease myself down steeper sections of the track. This hike isn’t a walk in the park but as long as you have hiking shoes with grip and a good base level of fitness you will be absolutely fine!

Dukes Nose via Wairakau Stream Track

The Wairakau Stream Track is a relatively easy track that is carved out clearly so you won’t get lost in the bush. The gravel path leads you deeper into the bush where you have to be more aware of where you are stepping; tree roots, mud puddles and large stepping stones help form this northland hiking track which will eventually lead you to the gorgeous Wairakau Stream.

Once you reach the stream you will have to brave the cold and remove your shoes, the only way to get to the other side of the stream is to go through it, so whip off your shoes and socks and wade through the refreshingly cold fresh water to continue on your hike. Once you get to the other side keep your shoes off, the next section of grassland is often covered in deep mud and there is another smaller river crossing on the other side.

The Final Climb: Lane Cove Hut to Dukes Nose

The ‘extreme’ part of the hike is between Lane Cove Hut and the incredible 360-degree views from Dukes Nose. This section of this Northland hiking trail requires a bit of rock climbing and a sprinkling of bravery; make your way up through the steep forest floor (following the orange trail markers) before coming to a curved rock wall of about 7 feet tall. Fitted with a metal pole drilled into the rock face to help your climb, this will test your ability and upper arm strength before you get to the actual climb!

The next and final section of rock climbing follows a sloping rock wall of about 20 meters (give or take). Again you have the metal pole the whole way to help you and there are flat sections where you can pause to have a break, just make sure you don’t look down!

The View from the Top

Your efforts will be rewarded greatly with the most incredible views in the north island. The viewpoint is a large, flat open space with views from all angles covering the Whangaroa Harbour.

There are no barriers and very little cellphone reception, so stay away from the edge and make sure that if you have any children with you that they stay close.

Best Time of the Year to Hike Dukes Nose

The best time of the year to hike Duke Nose is during summer or large spells of dry weather, majority of the track is built up of mud and clay which can get very slippery and boggy after a night of rain making it a far riskier hike, so I do not recommend hiking directly after any sort of wet weather.

Dukes Nose Hiking Safety Tips

Dukes Nose is reasonably remote and there is very little cellphone coverage until you get to the summit, so don’t take your safety for granted and make sure you are prepared in case the weather turns.

• Do not hike during or immediately after wet weather
• Double check the weather forecast before setting off
• Hike with a friend or let someone know when you expect to return
• Do not leave valuables within view in your car
• Pack suitable wet weather gear
• Pack a water bottle and suitable snacks (muesli bars, jerky, sandwiches etc)

Staying Overnight at Lane Cove Hut

Lane Cove Hut is the only accommodation along this hiking trail, run by the Department of Conversation it provides the necessities of cold running water, a kitchen bench, long drop toilets and mattresses to sleep on. Bookings are required if you wish to stay at the hut for an affordable price of $25 per person (prices do vary throughout the year).

Lane Cove Hut sits on the edge of the Whangaroa harbour providing one of the most beautiful evening views for when you sit down for a well deserved post hike meal.

There is absolutely no electricity in these huts, meaning there are no lights, no hot water and no heating. So whatever you bring with you is exactly what you will be dealing with so make sure you pack the necessities. If you require hot water or cooked food you can purchase a small gas cooker from any outdoor or camping shop for a reasonably affordable price.

Packing List for Overnight Hikes

• Sleeping bag
• Torch
• Headlamp (Not a necessity but great to have for midnight trips to the loo)
• Toilet paper
• Hand sanitiser
• Change of socks + undies
• Warm layers
• Plenty of snacks (muesli bars, jerky,
• Carb dense food (pasta,

More Incredible Overnight Hikes Near Auckland

The Pinnacles, Coromandel

If you’re looking for another hike if the weather isn’t sticking to the plan for your Dukes Nose Hike, consider heading south to Thames and embarking on The Pinnacles hiking trail.

The Pinnacles is a popular hiking trail in the Coromandel, you can either complete it in a day (which is tough on the legs), or make the most of your trip and stay at the DOC hut overnight. The views from the top are just as amazing, with sweeping views across the valley and beyond.