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The Dukes Nose Hike is an amazing day hike with some of the most spectacular views in Northland, New Zealand.
Considering how beautiful the hike is, it is relatively unknown. So you avoid the hoards of tourists on other New Zealand walks such as the Tongariro Crossing.
So let’s dive in and find out all about the Dukes Nose Hike!
How to get to the Dukes Nose Hike
The Dukes Nose Hike also known as Kairara Rock is in the far north of New Zealand. It’s about a 4.5-hour drive from Auckland.
There is no public transport going to the hike so you will need your own car. Rentalcars.com has cars from 17 USD per day 👇
When to Go
The best time to do the hike is during dry weather. The Dukes Nose walk can get very muddy and slippery in wet conditions.
So if you decide to go when it is wet make sure that you have some waterproof boots. There are stream crossings that may be difficult to cross when the water level is high.
Read here: Auckland’s Best Short Hike 🥾
Dukes Nose Hike Parking & Start
To start the hike you will first need to find a spot to park your car at the start of the trail. The trail is called the Wairakau Stream Trail.
If you google Dukes Nose you will be directed to this car park. This is not the exact starting point and is a car park that costs 5 NZD (3 USD). The start of the trail is not marked on Google Maps but you can find it here. The entrance is in front of the Kauri Hills Estate.
If it is not busy you should be able to park on the road right in front of the entrance to the trail. Otherwise, you will have to go to the paid parking.
Read here: Epic Ridge Walk near Auckland 🤩
The Waikarau Stream Trail
At the start of the trail, you will see the sign for the Waikarau Stream Trail. After that will be a station to clean your shoes to prevent the spread of Kauri Die Back Disease.
It is important to clean your shoes here. Kauri Die Back is a disease that threatens to wipe out the Kauri – one of New Zealand’s most majestic native trees 🌳
The disease spreads from dirt in people’s shoes. So please make sure to clean your shoes properly to help protect New Zealand’s environment.
Once you start the trail you will begin on a wide dirt road that heads uphill for about 25 minutes. It is fairly steep to start off with.
After you reach the top of the first hill the path enters the native bush and the path narrows. We enjoyed this part of the trail as it was empty and full of dense native plants.
Read here: These are Auckland’s Best Walks! 🤠
Stream Crossing
The path goes downhill for around 30 minutes until you reach the stream at the bottom of the hill. You will have to cross it but there are rocks you can walk across. If it has been raining the rocks may be underwater and you will have to get your feet wet.
There is also a swampy section after the stream crossing. People have laid down logs and ferns to help cross the swamp. But if you do not have a good balance it may be a bit tricky. So there is a chance of getting muddy feet.
After crossing the swamp you will enter an open grassy area where you can see Dukes Nose in the distance. The trail then enters some mangroves and winds along the coast for about 45 minutes.
If the tide is in there are some beautiful views of the harbour waters. The path can be quite slippery in sections because of tree roots covering the trail.
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Lane Cove Hut
Eventually, you will arrive at Lane Cove Hut. You can only go down to Lane Cove Hut if you are spending the night there. Which is something I highly recommend doing!
We spent the night there and it was one of the most beautiful places we have ever stayed. If you would like to know more about staying at Lane Cove Hut read our article here.
If you do not want to stay at the hut there is a rest area on the left just past the hut. This is a good spot to have something to eat and rest by the water.
Read here: Sleep at Hidden Lane Cove Hut ✨
Hiking Up Dukes Nose
After a pitstop by Lane Cove Hut, you can start the trail up the Dukes Nose Hike. The path is quite steep and takes about 25 minutes to reach the top.
If it is dry some sections of the trail can be a little slippery so take your time. The views are awesome on the way up so make sure to look back every once in a while.
Eventually, you will arrive at a steep cliff face with a metal pole attached to it. You will need to use this pole to get to the top.
It doesn’t look steep in the photos but it is quite a steep and long climb. So if you are scared of heights be prepared!
I had no problem climbing it. But Katharina is scared of heights so there were some sweaty palms on the way up!
The views from the top are spectacular. It is well worth overcoming your fear of heights. So make sure that you get up there.
There is quite a large open area at the top of Dukes Nose with 360° views of Whangaparoa Harbour. The landscape and the watercolor are like something from a painting.
It is also a landscape I did not know existed in Northland. It almost reminded me of landscapes I had seen in Norway.
We spent about 30 minutes at the top just taking in the views. I recommend allowing this much time at the top because the views are amazing.
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Returning to the Car Park
Once you have finished the hike you have to take the same path back to the car park. Remember to bring plenty of water because if it is a hot day it is a fairly long walk.
If you do not feel like hiking you can choose to take the water taxi back. More information on that below.
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Dukes Nose Hike Water Taxi
The water taxi will pick you up from Lane Cove Hut and drop you off at Totara North Wharf. The wharf is about a 20-minute walk from the car park at the start of the hike.
Catching the water taxi costs 50 NZD or 30 USD per person. You can see timetables and book your tickets here.
You can also book a return taxi to and from Lane Cove Hut. This is a good option if you are short on time because you only have to do the short hike up to Dukes Nose. A return ticket costs 90 NZD or 55 USD.
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Have Fun on the Dukes Nose Hike!
The Dukes Nose Hike is a spectacular walk and one of the most underrated hikes in New Zealand. It will feel like you have escaped to a tropical paradise if you are there on a clear summer’s day.
I hope you enjoy your hike up in beautiful Northland. It is an underrated part of New Zealand with so many unspoiled beaches. While you are up north you should also visit the Waipoua Forest and see some of the last remaining giant Kauri Trees in New Zealand.
If you are looking for more walks and things to do in New Zealand check out our articles below or subscribe to our travel newsletter.
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