Okiato to Russell Walkway

You can walk from the vehicular/foot ferry landing at Okiato to Orongo Bay on a well formed track which traverses wetland flats, undulating areas of mature native bush and a boardwalk at the water's edge before joining the roadside. Until stage 4 is completed walkers should take care using the roadside shoulder for the remaining 5 kilometres into Russell township with its many cafes and accommodation choices.

The walkway is in 4 easy stages.
The appeal of the track to visitors to the Bay of Islands is that there are several places where it can be accessed from the road. So can fitter walkers complete the whole trail in about half a day while others can do it in short easy stretches.

Stage 1 - Pipiroa Bay to Aucks Road
Stage 2 - Aucks Road to Te Wahapu Road
Stage 3 - Te Wahapu Road to Hirst Reserve, Orongo Bay
Stage 4 - Orongo Bay to Russell

Like to give it a go? You can download our printable guide which includes a map and brief description of the walkway.

The Okiato - Russell walkway is a great companion to the Paihia - Opua walkway. Ferry services make it possible to connect up the walks to make a full day's circle walk.