A RANDOM ROCK PERCHED IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
01 AUGUST 2022
One hell of a view along the walk
Short Walk
Ok so we had already done a full day's adventures starting off with lunch at the Gum Digger's Cafe, spending a couple of hours exploring the Matakohe Kauri Museum and hiking up Tokatoka Peak but I said to everyone, "Guys, it's just an 18-minute walk around this big boulder and carpe diem and all that". So everyone agreed that it would be fun to do as our final adventure for the day as it was on our way back to Kai Iwi Lakes, even though we had been walking and hiking all day.
Looking at photos online, we didn't realise how big the rock really is! Driving up to it and seeing it for the first time was awesome. It looked like something from another country, not New Zealand.
When we arrived, we could hear masses of pigeons coo-cooing and we looked up at the rock and could see them flying around the top where they were nesting. We were thankful we didn't get pooped on while we were walking around it!
It's situated only 17 minutes south of Dargaville and is an easy to drive to it and is well sign posted.
Looking at photos online, we didn't realise how big the rock really is! Driving up to it and seeing it for the first time was awesome. It looked like something from another country, not New Zealand.
When we arrived, we could hear masses of pigeons coo-cooing and we looked up at the rock and could see them flying around the top where they were nesting. We were thankful we didn't get pooped on while we were walking around it!
It's situated only 17 minutes south of Dargaville and is an easy to drive to it and is well sign posted.
Arabella looking up at the sheer size of the rock!
Beautiful view of Maungaraho from the start of the track near the carpark
An Old Volcano
Maungaraho Rock is the remains of a volcano that erupted millions of years ago and what remains is the core of the volcano as the outer layer has eroded away with time and weather. Basically it's an old volcanic plug, similar to Tokatoka Peak, which is not far at all from Maungaraho Rock so you should totally climb that too!
Standing at 200m high, it juts out from the riverine plain surrounding it and it's hard to miss when driving by!
The rock contains the rare mineral harmotome (for any science/geology fans out there).
Standing at 200m high, it juts out from the riverine plain surrounding it and it's hard to miss when driving by!
The rock contains the rare mineral harmotome (for any science/geology fans out there).
Stunning view over the district
One of the few man made paths on the base track
A beautiful lookout through the bush near the start of the walk
Base Track or Summit Track?
There are two tracks to walk/climb around Maungaraho Rock. We chose to do the base track as to do the summit track, you need to have some climbing experience and be fit as there are ropes and ladders in places and we didn't have enough daylight hours to check it out. It's probably better to do this with kids that are confident and aren't scared of heights!
If you do end up doing the summit track, you will be rewarded with 360 degree views across the district - lucky you!!
I really did read somewhere that it was just an 18 minute walk around the base of the rock, but someone was telling porkies... maybe if you ran it?! We stopped for photos and to explore so it took us about an hour, but generally it takes around 45 minutes return to walk around the cliff face of Maungaraho.
You end up right back at the carpark so it's eaaaaasy as to find your way back home.
If you do end up doing the summit track, you will be rewarded with 360 degree views across the district - lucky you!!
I really did read somewhere that it was just an 18 minute walk around the base of the rock, but someone was telling porkies... maybe if you ran it?! We stopped for photos and to explore so it took us about an hour, but generally it takes around 45 minutes return to walk around the cliff face of Maungaraho.
You end up right back at the carpark so it's eaaaaasy as to find your way back home.
Maungaraho rock base track
The top of the rock kinda looks like a sloth
Lath and Sienna searching for fairy houses in the tree trunk
Maori Legend
In New Zealand, there are a lot of Maori legends and there is one involving Maungaraho. It goes like this...
Maungaraho had 4 brothers, Manaia, Tokatoka, Taungatara and Motowhitiki. They didn't want to live their lives in Hawaiki so one night they followed Kupe the great explorer and came to New Zealand, Aotearoa. As the sun was rising, Atua took away their powers to move, leaving them stranded where they now rest.
Maungaraho had 4 brothers, Manaia, Tokatoka, Taungatara and Motowhitiki. They didn't want to live their lives in Hawaiki so one night they followed Kupe the great explorer and came to New Zealand, Aotearoa. As the sun was rising, Atua took away their powers to move, leaving them stranded where they now rest.
Crazy cool rocks on the base track
Bella and Sienna absolutely dwarfed not even half of the base of Maungaraho!
Flora and Fauna
We loved the diversity in the walk, not only in the terrain but also in the plants and trees. In some parts you're in the bush, surrounded by trees and shrubs, trying to avoid tripping over tree roots and rocks and in other parts you're walking through grass, looking out into the beautiful countryside at limestone rocks scattered as far as the eye can see. There were also crazy spider webs in the cracks in the rocks and tree roots snaking their way through the ground.
On the base walk, there were some man made steps but most of the trail was either dirt, grass, rocks or tree roots. There were a couple of parts we got to that we weren't sure which way to go, but we just followed our nose and found our way in the end. We even had some curious cows staring at us when we got to the open spaces.
On the base walk, there were some man made steps but most of the trail was either dirt, grass, rocks or tree roots. There were a couple of parts we got to that we weren't sure which way to go, but we just followed our nose and found our way in the end. We even had some curious cows staring at us when we got to the open spaces.
Cool tree roots!
One of the paths on the base track
Limestone rocks scattered around the paddock
Know Before You Go
- You don't have to be super fit to do this walk, it's fairly easy but you have to go up steps or step over rocks/tree roots
- There is heeeeaps of parking available
- There are no toilets here
- It's free!
- It takes around 45 minutes to complete the base track
- Bring water as there are no shops or taps here
- Wear good walking shoes with good grip
- Some parts of the track may be slippery after a lot of rain
- No dogs
- Not suitable for prams
Mappy McMap Face
Getting There
42 Maungaraho Rock Rd, Arapohue 0370
The road to Maungaraho Rock is just 8kms off State Highway 12. It's an easy road and mostly sealed.
The road to Maungaraho Rock is just 8kms off State Highway 12. It's an easy road and mostly sealed.
Conclusion
Maungaraho Rock base track will suit most abilities. It's a really nice and relaxing walk with some beautiful views over the countryside. It's worth making the detour there to view the rock, even if you don't intend to do either of the two walks.
If you're up to it and have the ability, the summit track is difficult, but you will be rewarded with 360-degree views of the district.
If you're up to it and have the ability, the summit track is difficult, but you will be rewarded with 360-degree views of the district.
Gallery of Maungaraho Rock
Check out the rest of the awesomeness that didn't make it to the main blog but deserves to be shown.
More to do in Northland
MAUNGANUI BLUFF
NORTHLAND A rugged and wild west coast beach you can drive your 4x4 on and see seals, collect mussels and explore rock pools.
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SMUGGLERS BAY BEACH
NORTHLAND Like something from Hawaii, this beach boasts emerald water surrounded by mountains and is just a 10 minute walk from the carpark.
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TANE MAHUTA
NORTHLAND A completely underwhelming tree... until you turn around and look the right way then WOW! New Zealand's largest and oldest kauri tree.
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