Ruahine (wise woman) Forest Park, along with neighbouring parks, form an almost continuous chain of protected lands along the central North Island ranges. The range is unique in that it rises abruptly while being relatively narrow, providing high rainfall events - one trig station in the middle of the range records an annual rainfall of 5 metres. In the south these wet and cloudy conditions favour the dense growth of leatherwood (tupare), forming the largest unbroken expanse in the country.
The park offers visitors a wide array of recreation opportunities including hunting, mountain biking and tracks for both experienced trampers and day walkers. There is a comprehensive network of walks, tracks and huts for visitors to use when enjoying the park. While you're out and about look out for the sights and sounds of numerous native birds including North Island kaka, kereru and the rare blue duck (whio).
Alert/Important notice
A number of alerts have been issued for the Park.
Please view the Hawke's Bay alerts page for more information and updates.
Location
As Ruahine Forest Park is almost 100 kilometres in length it can be accessed from a variety of towns on State Highway 2, including Waipukurau, Dannevirke and Woodville.