Hongi Hika Walk

Hongi Hika Walk links with Kororipo Pā Historic Walk to connect Kerikeri and Hone Heke Roads.

Starting from Hone Heke Road, this well-formed track meanders through mature gums and regenerating native forest, across a small bridge to a fork in the track approximately 70 m from the bridge. Turn left to exit at the carpark just below the historic St James Church, or take the right-hand fork and walk on up on to the Kororipo pā site.

Getting there

The track is within Hongi Hika Recreation Reserve in Kerikeri.

You can reach the Hongi Hika Track from three different entry points: from the St James carpark at 209 Kerikeri Road; from Hone Heke Road on the NorthTec campus boundary; or from the junction of Kororipo Pā Track.

History and culture

The Hongi Hika track runs along the same pathway used by pre-European Maori warriors to access the bountiful Kerikeri River from their permanent residences further inland.

The Kororipo pā served as Hongi Hika’s coastal fortified settlement and played an important role in New Zealand’s musket war campaigns.