Urutawa Conservation Area
Introduction
The Urutawa Conservation Area includes both lowland forests of mainly rimu and tawa, and upland beech forests. Pockets of nikau palms are interspersed throughout the Conservation Area, and good examples of this can be found on Te Waiti Track.
Features
The area contains a wide variety of threatened birds such as whio or blue duck, weka, New Zealand falcon, and North Island brown kiwi. Other special fauna include the Hochstetter's frog, native fish and bats.
The historic Old Motu Road and Pakihi stock route run through the area. Both routes were essential transport links from Opotiki to Gisborne before the road through the Waioeka Gorge was established. The Pakihi tramping track follows the now disused stock route.
Location
Located 14km south of Opotiki off SH2.
Getting there
Travelling from Opotiki to Gisborne on State Highway 2, turn left onto Otara Road, and then onto Te Waiti Road, at the Te Waiti Bridge. The Te Waiti Nature Trail and Boulders Campsite are adjacent to this road.
At the road end is the beginning of Te Waiti Track which leads directly into the Conservation Area and network of tracks and huts. There are alternate access points at Pakihi Road end or off the Motu Road.
Guides and commercial tourism providers