EXPANSIVE 360 DEGREE VIEWS OVER NORTHLAND
29 JULY 2022
View from the rest point we had, before the final ascent to the summit
Ticking It Off Our Bucket List
Tokatoka peak is one the east coast's magical wonders with incredible views and a hike to remember.
We had been chatting to a waitress at a cafe in Dargaville, about what there was to do in the area and she mentioned Tokatoka Peak so we went home to research it. When we saw the pictures, we knew it definitely was going to be added to our bucket list for the area!
The short 20 minute hike to the summit gives you 360 degree expansive views over the district including the Wairoa River. Fun fact about Wairoa River, it's known as the Big Muddy and is an upside down river which means that the water is muddier at the top and clearer at the bottom. Buuuut I still wouldn't want to go swimming in it!
We had been chatting to a waitress at a cafe in Dargaville, about what there was to do in the area and she mentioned Tokatoka Peak so we went home to research it. When we saw the pictures, we knew it definitely was going to be added to our bucket list for the area!
The short 20 minute hike to the summit gives you 360 degree expansive views over the district including the Wairoa River. Fun fact about Wairoa River, it's known as the Big Muddy and is an upside down river which means that the water is muddier at the top and clearer at the bottom. Buuuut I still wouldn't want to go swimming in it!
The random clearing before the rock climbing begins!
Maori Legend of Tokatoka
There are a few Maori legends about how Tokatoka remains in his final resting place. One version is the same as was told in the Maungaraho blog.
Tokatoka had 4 brothers - Manaia, Maungaraho, 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.
Tokatoka had 4 brothers - Manaia, Maungaraho, 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.
The stairs at the entrance to the track, beside the carpark
The easy first part of the track... don't be fooled!
The Ascent
After we parked the car (and tried to avoid the muddy puddles we had just parked in!), we climbed the stairs over the fence and used the boot washing station for the kauri die back (on pretty much every track we have been on).
It started off pretty flat then came to a big grass area. Great! We thought. This isn’t too bad!! Jokes on us...
Going in, we had no idea how steep the track actually was, and the first part of the track was pretty flat surrounded by tall native bush. As we passed the first part, we came to a large clearing. It's a really random spot, not sure why the area had been cleared and grass planted instead! We kept going and came to the next part which got steeper and steeper. At first the kids complained a bit because they didn't realise it was going to be a steep hike and they were already tired after our big day but as usual they are troopers and no matter how hard a hike is, they keep going and sometimes even pass us!
It’s definitely not recommended to climb after it’s been raining. It was slippery enough in parts as it was from recent rain but we managed. It got steeper & steeper and just when we thought it couldn’t get any worse... it did!! It was definitely some form of rock climbing... a new experiences for us all!
It started off pretty flat then came to a big grass area. Great! We thought. This isn’t too bad!! Jokes on us...
Going in, we had no idea how steep the track actually was, and the first part of the track was pretty flat surrounded by tall native bush. As we passed the first part, we came to a large clearing. It's a really random spot, not sure why the area had been cleared and grass planted instead! We kept going and came to the next part which got steeper and steeper. At first the kids complained a bit because they didn't realise it was going to be a steep hike and they were already tired after our big day but as usual they are troopers and no matter how hard a hike is, they keep going and sometimes even pass us!
It’s definitely not recommended to climb after it’s been raining. It was slippery enough in parts as it was from recent rain but we managed. It got steeper & steeper and just when we thought it couldn’t get any worse... it did!! It was definitely some form of rock climbing... a new experiences for us all!
Lath hiking up to the summit
Sienna climbing like a pro
A pretty rainbow leave we found on the track
The final climb to the summit
The Summit
If you're like me and absolutely hate heights then there's no way you'll be heading to the summit. You will get as far as the final 10 meters and although you won't get 360 degree views, you will still get an epic view of the Wairoa River and beyond! If you're lucky enough to go on a clear day, you can see Bream Head.
I decided to sit it out with the kids instead of crapping my pants in the process. The kids wanted to climb it but honestly it didn’t look safe enough and they haven’t had any experience climbing rocks, especially slippery ones. Also there are no handrails at the summit and it's a sheer drop all around so take care and keep kids close by, so Lath went on ahead while the girls and I had a rest and took in the views
The final ascent really does become a rock climbing experience and there aren't any trees, branches or ropes to support yourself with but Lath managed no problem and the photos and videos show it's definitely worth it! It would be great if railings could be put up at the summit and railings along the last ascent so more people are able to climb up.
I did hear that a local man wants to put a zipline from the top down to the river... that would be one epic ride!!
I decided to sit it out with the kids instead of crapping my pants in the process. The kids wanted to climb it but honestly it didn’t look safe enough and they haven’t had any experience climbing rocks, especially slippery ones. Also there are no handrails at the summit and it's a sheer drop all around so take care and keep kids close by, so Lath went on ahead while the girls and I had a rest and took in the views
The final ascent really does become a rock climbing experience and there aren't any trees, branches or ropes to support yourself with but Lath managed no problem and the photos and videos show it's definitely worth it! It would be great if railings could be put up at the summit and railings along the last ascent so more people are able to climb up.
I did hear that a local man wants to put a zipline from the top down to the river... that would be one epic ride!!
Wairoa River
Spectacular views from the summit of Tokatoka Peak
The descent
The Descent
Going down was a lot more challenging and took twice as long as it did to get up to the summit because it had been raining, the rocks were really slippery in some parts which made it more difficult getting down as we didn't want to fall on our bums!
In saying that, Sienna willingly slid down on her bum most of the time. Her pants were super muddy by the end but somehow managed to keep her jumper clean!
We stayed to the side of the track which was less slippery and we also found trees and branches to hold onto to help stabilize us which really helped.
It was a challenge and we were SO proud of the girls!
In saying that, Sienna willingly slid down on her bum most of the time. Her pants were super muddy by the end but somehow managed to keep her jumper clean!
We stayed to the side of the track which was less slippery and we also found trees and branches to hold onto to help stabilize us which really helped.
It was a challenge and we were SO proud of the girls!
Sienna sliding down
Volcanic Plug
Tokatoka Peak is a rare volcanic phenomenon. Tokatoka, like Maungaraho, is the plug of an extinct andesite volcano that erupted around 18 million years ago! It's 180 metres tall and is symmetrical in shape with a sharp peak at the top. It's eye catching to see and hard to miss when you're driving along State Highway 12.
Horses grazing by the carpark
Know Before You Go
- The track can be very slippery after rain (going down is more slippery than going up)
- Wear shoes with good grip
- There are no toilets
- Bring plenty of water, the hike to the top can bring on a sweat!
- Limited parking, but I doubt it gets super packed!
- It's steep but Sienna, 4 and Arabella, 8 managed the hike no issues
- The last 10 meters are very steep with no railings or ropes
- There are no barriers at the summit so keep the kids really close
- You need to have reasonable fitness to climb the peak as it really is steep most of the time! Great thigh work out.
Mappy McMap Face
Getting There
Tokatoka Scenic Reserve Track, Ruawai 0592
The road up to the peak is just off State Highway 12, look out for the Tokatoka Tavern and you'll see it on the corner of Tokatoka Road. Head up there and you'll see parking and the entrance 1 minute up the road on your left.
The road up to the peak is just off State Highway 12, look out for the Tokatoka Tavern and you'll see it on the corner of Tokatoka Road. Head up there and you'll see parking and the entrance 1 minute up the road on your left.
Conclusion
Absolute thigh burner and a slight challenge, but challenges are gooood. Apart from the steep parts, we found it easy enough (just a thigh burner and a slow descent) and fun and the kids did too. Just be mindful that if it's been raining, it could be really slippery, especially in winter. You will be rewarded with your hard work at the summit!
After we climbed Tokatoka Peak, we continued north and did a 1 hour walk around the Maungaraho Rock. We highly recommend this - It's only 10 minutes away!
After we climbed Tokatoka Peak, we continued north and did a 1 hour walk around the Maungaraho Rock. We highly recommend this - It's only 10 minutes away!
Gallery of Tokatoka Peak
Check out the rest of the awesomeness that didn't make it to the main blog but deserves to be shown.
More to do near Tokatoka Peak
MAUNGANUI BLUFF
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MAUNGARAHO ROCK
NORTHLAND One hell of a giant rock in the middle of the country side. You can either walk the base or scale to the top for 360 deg views.
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TANE MAHUTA
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