Plan & prepare

Getting there

You can access Puketi and Omahuta forests from State Highway 1 (SH1) or the network of secondary roads that skirt the forests.

To get to the Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary turn off SH1, signposted a few kilometres south of Mangamuka Bridge. Please drive carefully on Omahuta Sanctuary Road - it is very narrow in places.

The Puketi Recreation area is located on Puketi Road, which you can access from Waitare Road or SH1.

Notes

  • Leaving vehicles at road ends over night is not advisable due to the risk of theft
  • For longer tramps Topo50, 1:50,000 topographical maps are essential
  • No dogs due to risks to wildlife

Weather

Weather for Bay of Islands area - Northland rural forecast

NZ weather

Maps

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Learn more

Puketi Forest Trust - a community conservation project

Safety

Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

Tips for driving on unsealed roads

Contacts

Bay of Islands Area Office
Phone: +64 9 407 0300
Email: bayofislandsbooking@doc.govt.nz
Full office details
Conservation for prosperity. Tiakina te taiao, kia puawai