Kaharoa Conservation Area
Introduction
North Island kokako bonding pair
Kaharoa and the adjoining Onaia Ecological Area are renowned for kokako, once common in lowland forest but now endangered. Their numbers have fallen dramatically since European colonisation. Fewer than 1400 survive in the North Island.The kokako may be our most beautiful songbird, using a variety of sounds including clicks, buzzes and mews, especially around dawn. At other times you may see one high in the tree canopy.
Location
Kaharoa Conservation Area is located 36 km north of Rotorua.
Getting there
From Rotorua, access is via Tauranga Direct Road, Kaharoa Road, and finally Kapukapu Road.
Features
In recent years the Kaharoa Kokako Trust, DOC, Environment Bay of Plenty and volunteers have improved the forest health and the numbers of kokako in the area has increased. There are also good populations of tui, bellbirds, whiteheads, robins, morepork owls, native pigeons and even a few North Island brown kiwi. An impressive range of native trees include rimu, totara, kohekohe, tawa, puriri, rewarewa,mahoe, kamahi, nikau and mamaku. Deep gorges shelter the rare kingfern (para).
Tracks and walks
Kokako Track also known as the Hollow Track meanders its way down through some beautiful forest to Onaia Stream. This is a tranquil and secluded spot, ideal for a picnic or breakfast stop after listening to the dawn chorus of kokako.
Plan and prepare
Dogs, horses, vehicles (including bikes and motorbikes), fires, removal of plants or animals, and hunting without permit are not permitted in the Kaharoa Conservation Area and the Onaia Ecological Area.