Last updated October 2026
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC listed the southern section of the Ōkura Bush Walkway, between the Haigh Road entrance and Karepiro Bay, as closed. DOC’s alert said: “The section between Haigh Road entrance and Karepiro Bay is closed.
The section from Stillwater to Karepiro Bay (Dacre Cottage) remains open.” Check DOC before you go. The open northern section, managed by Auckland Council, starts at Stillwater and runs to Karepiro Bay and Dacre Cottage. DOC grades the walkway Easy to intermediate, it covers about 9.2 km in total, and it forms part of Te Araroa.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Ōkura Bush Walkway on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOCTrack facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.
Practical Information
- Status
- Partly closed when checked on 18 October 2026 (Haigh Road entrance to Karepiro Bay closed; Stillwater to Karepiro Bay (Dacre Cottage) open). Check DOC before you go.
- Start (open section)
- Stillwater, via Duck Creek Road off Spur Road and East Coast Road
- Distance from the city
- About 21 km from Auckland in a straight line (DOC gives Stillwater as 35.5 km from downtown Auckland)
- Track length
- About 9.2 km in total
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Dogs
- No dogs, except certified assistance dogs
- Track type
- Walking track
- Part of
- Te Araroa
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation; the Stillwater to Karepiro Bay section is managed by Auckland Council
About Ōkura Bush Walkway
The walkway runs through Ōkura Bush Scenic Reserve on the coast north of Auckland, beside the Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve, where restrictions apply.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, the southern section was closed, but you could walk the northern section from Stillwater to Karepiro Bay and Dacre Cottage. DOC notes this section is managed by Auckland Council.
Karepiro Bay and Stillwater are fragile areas with populations of New Zealand dotterel and oystercatcher. DOC explains that disturbed birds will not return to their nests until you have gone, and eggs can overheat or chill quickly.
From about mid-September, stick to the track, keep well away from birds and watch where you step on the beach to avoid crushing well-camouflaged eggs.
Track Closure
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC listed the section between the Haigh Road entrance and Karepiro Bay as closed. Do not use it while the closure is in place, and check the DOC page for updates before you go.
Getting There and Track Conditions
The northern entrance at Stillwater is reached from Duck Creek Road, off Spur Road, which runs off East Coast Road.
Sections of the track can be slippery after rain. Keep to the track when crossing private farmland, take care around stock, and leave gates as you find them. Tell someone your plans.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Ōkura Bush Walkway: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Auckland Council: parks, reserves and track information across the Auckland region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ōkura Bush Walkway open?
Only partly when we checked on 18 October 2026. DOC said the section between Haigh Road and Karepiro Bay was closed, while Stillwater to Karepiro Bay (Dacre Cottage) remained open.
Where do I start the open section?
At Stillwater, reached via Duck Creek Road off Spur Road and East Coast Road.
Who manages the open section?
DOC says the Stillwater to Karepiro Bay section is managed by Auckland Council.
How hard is it?
DOC grades the walkway Easy to intermediate, though it can be slippery after rain.
Are dogs allowed?
No, except certified assistance dogs, because of the threat to stock and wildlife.
Is it part of Te Araroa?
Yes. DOC notes the Ōkura Bush Walkway is part of Te Araroa.
When do shorebirds nest here?
From about mid-September. Stay on the track and keep well away from nesting dotterels and oystercatchers.
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