11 October 2026
Fine, apart from showers before dawn, then some cloud in the west from afternoon. Northerlies changing westerly in the morning, dying out early evening.
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1 / 6Paihia area
Paihia School Road Track
A pleasant walk through regenerating forest to a lookout that offers stunning views over Waitangi, the Bay of Islands and Russell.
Distance
2.7 km
Walking time
1 hr
Difficulty
Easy
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 10 Oct 2026, 11:01 pm
12 October 2026
Partly cloudy. Westerlies.
13 October 2026
Partly cloudy, with isolated showers in the afternoon and evening. Northwesterlies.
14 October 2026
Partly cloudy with isolated showers developing in the morning. Northwesterlies.
15 October 2026
Occasional rain, clearing. Northerlies, turning westerly.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Paihia School Road Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Paihia School Road Track
A short steep track accessed from School Road (700 metres from the Paihia township), taking you through shady native bush. It's well maintained and long enough to get the heart pumping, but with rewarding views of Opua Forest and the Bay of Islands. Once at the lookout you will have stunning views westwards to Waitangi, across Motumairie (one of the islands off Paihia) to Russell then over the Russell Peninsula to Cape Brett and Ipipiri, the eastern Bay of Islands. The top of the track links to the Oromahoe Traverse , which ends on Oromahoe Road.
Getting there for Paihia School Road Track
Start the Paihia School Road Track at the far end of School Road, Paihia. The track starts 700 metres from the Paihia township. 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 Paihia School Road Track
Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only.
Before you walk Paihia School Road 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.