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You have many great options to explore the forests - from easy access walks to tracks for experienced trampers.
View a map of the tracks and walks in Puketi Forest
This easy walk in the Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary will take you to the stump and head of one of the largest kauri ever felled in the Omahuta Forest.
The short Manginangina Kauri Walk follows a boardwalk that winds through a mature stand of kauri and swamp forest. It’s a track that is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
The giant kauri in the Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary were protected from logging in 1951. This short loop track leads you through a stand of mature kauri.
Tramping track for experienced trampers with good route-finding abilities. The route descends to the Waipapa River.
The Pirau Ridge Track in Puketi Forest is an easy 11-km walking track. The old logging road provides walking and mountain biking opportunities.
Trampers interested in taking the Pukatea Ridge Track in the Puketi Forest should have a high degree of skill and experience, as well as route-finding abilities. The route connects with the Waipapa River Track.
The Pukekohe Stream Track offers visitors the opportunity to view a regenerating kauri forest. A side track leads to an unusual stand of kauri and hard beech.
The Puketi Nature Trail is an easy wander around a loop track that leads you through a beautiful kauri forest.
Take the Waihoanga Gorge Kauri Walk and discover the Pirau Waterfall. The track makes its way through a range of forest species including puriri, taraire, nikau and virgin kauri trees.
The Waipapa River Track is a scenic two-day tramp that follows the Waipapa River through the heart of Puketi Forest. The tramp is only recommended for experienced and well-equipped trampers.
Walnut Track in the Puketi Forest is a steep ridge track through beautiful kauri forest. The track is recommended for experienced and well-equipped trampers.
The 5.1 km tramping track begins at the blue stone quarry off the Mokau Ridge then descends to meet the Waipapa River Track near Camp Creek. There are some steep sections of the track that require a reasonable level of fitness but the vegetation and wildlife make the effort worthwhile.
Puketi and Omahuta forests offer opportunities for hunting, including goats and pigs. Hunting permits are required.
Find out more about hunting in Puketi and Omahuta forests
The old logging roads within the forests are suitable for adventurous mountain biking. Biking is permitted on the Pirau Ridge Road.
Note: Logging and forestry trucks will be active on Mokau Ridge Road from February 2013 until further notice. No mountain biking on Mokau Ridge Road, and Mangahorehore Track, Walnut Track, and Onekura Track. Please take care and listen out for trucks when walking/hunting on or near this forest road.
Find businesses that are DOC-approved to provide guided activities and tours in Puketi & Omahuta forests.
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DOC maps: Discover the outdoors - DOC's key places, campsites, tracks and huts, and visitor centres on a map
Puketi Forest Trust - a community conservation project
Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:1. Plan your trip2. Tell someone3. Be aware of the weather4. Know your limits5. Take sufficient supplies
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