With a network of walking tracks, stunning nīkau groves and interesting archaeological sites, this walk is a gorgeous break from the sights and sounds of Whangārei. By Tasha Oxford

From the small car park at the south end of Russell Road (directly on the left off SH1), start walking up the clearly marked and well-maintained track into Coronation Scenic Reserve. 

At first it’s a steep incline, complete with stairs to get your heart rate up. The first junction is 15min into the walk on the left. The side track leads to a pā site just down the hill, or you could descend 900m to the Quarry Art Centre on Selwyn Road.

To stay on the main track, continue to follow the orange triangles. The sounds of the city are replaced with the song of fantails, and mature native trees begin to replace regenerating bush.

A further 10min on is a second junction to the right. This track drops 850m into Whangārei Quarry Gardens and is an option for a shorter walk and refreshments at Quail Cafe. From the Quarry Gardens it’s a short walk back down Russell Road to the car park.

The memorial track continues along the ridgeline for 1km, gently rolling through stunning nīkau groves and mature pūriri trees and with a few seats along the way. 

There is a third junction at the summit, where the main track loops around and joins back up. Continue straight on and the track descends towards Kauika Road West. It is also well maintained with many boxed stairs to zig zag down before it flattens off. 

Here, there are two exit points. The first, an unmarked but obvious track on the right, links to Garden Court. The second links to Kauika Road West, where there is another car park. For a flatter walk, take this exit, turn left down Wilson Avenue, then left onto Western Hills Drive. Continue along this road back to the start of the track at Russell Road.

To stay in the bush and link back to the main track, follow the path to the right of the large wooden sign indicating Coronation Scenic Reserve. This is a steep 200m climb on an unmaintained track with tree roots to navigate, and can be slippery and muddy. Keep an eye on the left as the track climbs onto a high ridge, as there are pits and a pā site next to it.

Another junction on the ridge gives directions. To the right is a gentle 300m slope down to a lookout with impressive views over the Quarry Arts Centre, Mt Parihaka, the city and the harbour. It can be muddy in places after rain. To the left is a 385m climb back to the main track at the summit. From here, turn right and retrace your steps along the ridge and down the stairs to the Russell Road car park.