Walk in one of Northland’s podocarp forests not far from Whangārei, to one of only six huts in the region. By Brian Dobbie

Tangihua Forest is roughly halfway between Whangārei and Dargaville. It’s a rugged 3000ha forested area with a network of tracks and one hut to be enjoyed. 

The most popular access is from the south off Omana Road, where a 30-minute walk along an access road and a further 15-minute track lead to Tangihua Lions Lodge and a number of other tracks. The lodge runs an education centre and conservation programme, and along with DOC and others, the Lions have led predator control in 450ha of the forest.

The shortest and easiest walk to the hut is to drive almost to the end of Tangihua Road. This route starts on private property, and landowner permission is required. Park in a flat area before the road veers north to end at farm buildings, cross the fence at the gate and follow the farm road south/southwest for about 400m. This road turns southeast and climbs for another 400m before a stile on the right is crossed and the track enters secondary growth bush.

The marked track heads down for a kilometre through more luxuriant forest to a small stream, where an old sign signals a choice of tracks to the hut. Straight ahead is a fairly direct, steep route through big trees, gaining 100m of altitude. Left leads on a longer, easier gradient. Both tracks almost reach the hut.

Tangihua Hut is set in a clearing with a view north from the forest to hilly farmland. This roomy hut sleeps eight on two platforms and has no fireplace. 

It can also be reached in several hours from Omana Road to the south via a network of harder tramping tracks. A two-day trip through the heart of the forest from north to south or vice versa, with a night at the hut, is worthwhile if transport can be arranged.