Otawa Scenic Reserve
Introduction
Otawa Scenic Reserve contains attractive lowland forest dominated by tawa and rewarewa. It features walking tracks and a picnic area near an old reservoir. Hunting is popular in the reserve.
Features
Tawa forest, Bay of Plenty
Walks in the reserve are suitable for fit, experienced people with adequate equipment.
At the Manoeka Rd entrance, a picnic area near an old reservoir is accessible by people of most ages and abilities.
Location
Otawa Scenic Reserve is in the Papamoa Hills south of Te Puke.
Getting there
Access to the reserve is from Te Puke Quarry Rd or from Manoeka Rd, off SH 2 between Te Puke and Papamoa.
The Te Puke Quarry Rd access crosses private farmed land via a formed track. A small car park marks the entrance. Please leave the farm gates as you find them, and keep to the track.
Activities
Hunting
Plan and prepare
What to expect on a tramping track:
- Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
- Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
- Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry (remote areas) skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
- Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
- Tramping/hiking boots required