Duke's Nose Track
(Kairara Rocks)
Duke's Nose Track
Your Nature Guide
Marios Gavalas
Author And Researcher
Nau mai, haere mai
I'm Marios, delivering the best of Aotearoa's nature walks to your device.
I've personally walked hundreds of New Zealand's tracks and spent months in libraries uncovering interesting information on New Zealand/Aotearoa. And you'll find a slice of that research on this page - enjoy!
Maps
Photos
Information
Read this description with Wairakau Stream Track, as it makes a great overnighter if you like. Getting up the Duke’s Nose is tricky, but once your on the top, it’s a special place to be. The top of the bluffs have been weathered to form bulbous pedestals, ready to topple at any moment. The Duke’s nose is one such example. Waterfalls cascade over the cliffs and rock pinnacles tower over the headlands between coves. This is a unique Tolkienesque landscape.
Access
The start of the track is signposted from Lane Cove Hut.
Track
The track is marked with orange triangles and climbs steadily through forest for 25 minutes.
The final few metres involve climbing the near-vertical rock face to the summit. The matrix of stones in the rock allows for hand and foot holds to be located, but you must be capable of basic rock climbing to attempt this walk.
Geology
The track leads to Pekapeka Bay, a many tentacled inlet of Whangaroa Harbour. Towering bluffs and vertical cliff faces protrude through the forested valleys. The landscape resembles a miniature fiord. Turquoise waters blend with mangrove forests at the base of the cliffs, from where the lush forest climbs the valley sides.
The top of the bluffs have been weathered to form bulbous pedestals, ready to topple at any moment. The Duke’s nose is one such example. Waterfalls cascade over the cliffs and rock pinnacles tower over the headlands between coves. This is a unique Tolkienesque landscape.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaeo |
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Contact
Reviews
Niek W
Ranking: 10/10
A-ma-zing hike, a-ma-zing views, easily completed within the time estimates. Mainly last bit (15 mins) up Dukes Nose poses some challenges but can be conquered with some persevation and average condition. Make sure to wear shoes with some grip and support to your ankles, and bring your swimwear on a good day to find refreshment and the river crossing on your way back!
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Marie
Ranking: 10/10
Only made it to the stream, which is the shortest walk of 3 designated. Took us about an hour for one way. Beautiful walk through forest and breathtaking place at the stream. Definitely recommend!
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Luke
Ranking: 10/10
My favourite hike in Northland. It's a good workout but the views are well worth it. Just make sure to start early so you don't have to rush your time up top.
Thank You - to the thousands of travellers that have contributed to our Top Voted NZ Activities Map - it's free from Rankers.
Sammy Cronin
Ranking: 9/10
Awesome hike - good distance and great views! Not a hike everyone knows about, which is amazing, definitely a hidden gem!
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Courtney Quintrell
Ranking: 10/10
Gorgeous views 360 degrees from the top. Met some really nice DOC workers on the trail as well.
DOC Managed
Thanks to all the good people working for the NZ Department of Conservation - for all your hard work - making NZ more beautiful, accessable and healthy! Cheers 😍
