Portland Track

Portland has developed around the mining and processing of limestone to make cement. 

This historic process is still alive today with Golden Bay Cement using the Whangārei Harbour to ship cement around the country. 

The Portland track gives a good vantage point from where this industrial heritage, both old and new can be viewed.

The time given is for walking the track one way only.

What to expect

Easy walk
Time: 20 minutes
Distance: 335 metres

The track is essentially surfaced, winding through mangrove swamp and out to a rocky point. There are great views over the harbour and a variety of bird life to be observed.

The concrete surface is smooth in places and can get slippery. 

It is not possible to make a circular walk but there is the option of an additional nearby walk courtesy of Golden Bay Cement. Their route comes highly recommended and is marked off McGill Road, nearby.

There may be some known and potential hazards that users should be aware of and avoid.

Known hazards in caves and on Council reserves

How to get to Portland

From Whangārei, take State Highway One to the south through Otaika. At the junction with Portland Road, about 3.5 km from Otaika, turn left onto Portland Road.

Follow Portland Road towards the cement works, over the railway bridge (almost to the factory entrance) then turn left into Portland Wharf Road. 

The track starts a further 240 metres on the left, where there is limited parking.  

Location

Portland Wharf Road, Portland 0178  View Map

-35.8042489,174.3319129

Portland Wharf Road , Portland 0178

Portland Wharf Road , Portland 0178

Portland Track