08 October 2026
Fine, apart from areas of morning fog, then some evening cloud. Light winds.
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1 / 9Tangihua Forest
Horokaka Track
Horokaka Track is a challenging track that includes strenuous climbing. The track leads up to an old logging road and then follows the ridge to the Horokaka Transmitter.
Distance
8 km
Walking time
3 hr 45 min one way
Difficulty
Advanced
Dogs
Allowed — check local rules
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Northland forecast
Issued 8 Oct 2026, 11:31 am
09 October 2026
Fine, apart from areas of morning fog, then some afternoon cloud. Light winds and sea breezes.
10 October 2026
Partly cloudy with isolated showers. Northerlies developing in the morning.
11 October 2026
Mostly cloudy, with isolated showers clearing in the afternoon. Northwesterlies.
12 October 2026
A few showers. Westerlies.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Horokaka Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Horokaka Track
The Horokaka Track follows an old logging road up the ridge to the Horokaka Transmitter. Though not far, the undulating terrain makes for slow travel—allow 3 hours from the bush edge. From here, a short walk up the service road leads to the transmitter and views. You can return the way you came, or the track connects with the Tangihua Main Ridge and Te Haua Uru Track to form a strenuous 9-hour loop. This loop is for trampers with a high degree of skill and experience, route-finding ability, who are well equipped and able to use topographical maps. There are razor back ridges and lack of hand holds.
Kauri protection guide
Clean your footwear, tyres and equipment before and after visiting our kauri forests. If you are walking your dog, you should also make sure you clean their paws. Use cleaning stations every time you pass one while you are walking in a park. Stay on the tracks and keep off kauri roots. Stay away from closed tracks. Don't remove soil from, or bring soil into, areas with kauri trees.
Getting there for Horokaka Track
The Horokaka Track is found in the Tangihua Forest which is located halfway between Whangārei on Northland’s east coast and Dargaville on the west coast. Your best access into Tangihua Forest is from Omana Road. The Omana Road Tangihua access car park has parking for 15 cars. You will need to walk 30 minutes along a formed road to the bush line. The track starts just inside the bush line to the right of the road. Use this location on Google Maps to help find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel
Dog access for Horokaka Track
Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only.
Before you walk Horokaka Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.