Warawara Forest
Introduction
Warawara is a mountainous forest locally known as the 'spirit forest'.
Rated second in Northland in the biodiversity rankings, Warawara is home to many threatened and endangered species including New Zealand's smallest bird, the rifleman/titipounamu.
Kiwi still survive here, as do kākā and long-tailed bats.
Features
Kauri tree, Warawara Forest
Warawara - the spirit forest
Dame Whina Cooper once called Warawara forest "Te wairua o Te Iwi o Te Rarawa - The living spiritual being of Te Rarawa people." Te Rarawa are the local iwi (tribe) - tangata whenua (people of the land).
Rated second in Northland in the biodiversity rankings, Warawara is home to many threatened and endangered species including rifleman/titipounamu. Kiwi, still survive here, as do kākā and long-tailed bats.
The forest covers an area of 12,376 acres of rugged hill country still covered in native bush. In 1913 the Royal Commission recommended it be set aside as a reserve. It has one of the largest kauri stands in the country, and was one of the areas where kauri trees were tapped for gum.
Rifleman, New Zealand's smallest native
bird
Rifleman
Rifleman/titipounamu are New Zealand's smallest bird. Found in Warawara, they are the most northern population of rifleman in New Zealand.
Keep an eye out for these beautiful, agile, aerial acrobatic little birds and listen out for their high-pitched buzzing call, a single note that is out of hearing range for some people.
Feeding on small insects such as spiders, moths and small weta (native grasshopper), they forage amongst the trees in Warawara. Adults and young often forage close together, each pair with its own territory, which both males and females defend.
Kauri slab hut, Warawara Forest
Kauri Slab Hut
Within Warawara Forest you can visit a historical kauri slab hut used during the kauri timber boom of the 1940's.
Situated 900 m west of the highpoint Umawera, at an altitude of about 350 m above sea level, the hut you see today lets you step back in time to the days before chainsaws and four-wheel drives. The building as it stands today is still used by local people and trampers who walk the Warawara Forest Track.
Location
Warawara is located south-east of Kaitaia, north of the Hokianga Harbour.
Getting there
West Coast Road and Pawarenga Road circle around the forest. You can access the Warawara Forest Track from Mitimiti in the South or Pawarenga in the North.
Activities
Bird and wildlife watching
Bird and wildlife watching
Warawara forest is full of beautiful native birds and plants, keep an eye out for New Zealand's smallest bird, the rifleman.
Hunting
You can hunt pigs and goats in the Warawara Forest and Hokianga hunting blocks. A permit is required.
Tracks and walks
Be aware that during winter months and at times of heavy rain this track will become muddy and slippery. It is recommended to walk this track during the summer period.
Warawara forest is full of beautiful native birds and plants, keep an eye out for New Zealand's smallest bird, the rifleman.
Places to stay
There is no DOC-managed campsite near Warawara. Freedom camping is permitted within Warawara Forest.
To find out other accommodation options, contact the Kaitaia i-SITE visitor information centre. Details can be found on their website: www.visitfarnorthnz.com or phone +64 9 408 0879.
Plan and prepare
Check, Clean, Dry
Stop the spread of aquatic pests. Remember to Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering a waterway, and when moving between waterways.
Keep safe
This area is known for its changeable "four seasons in one day" weather and because much of the terrain is rugged, trampers and walkers must travel prepared. Food and warm waterproof clothing should be carried, even on short walks. Overnight parties should always include experienced trampers.
The emergency telephone number in New Zealand is 111. It is a free phone call. If you have an emergency and need a quick response from Police, the Fire Service or Ambulance, then dial 111
Tramping and safety links
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