Whareorino Conservation Area

Introduction

The Whareorino Conservation Area is the largest and one of the most valuable forested areas in the Waitomo/Pureroa region.

Archey's frog

The spectacular virgin forest is home to a wide range of threatened species including the bush falcon, Archey's and Hochstetter's frogs and long-tailed bats.

Recreational hunting is a popular pastime in Whareorino, and the upper reaches of the Awakino River hold some of the best fly fishing waters for trout in the North island.

Features

History

Little is known about the pre-European history of the area. The forest was isolated for many years because of land wars in Waikato and Taranaki, and was first surveyed in 1902. Soon after, eight farms were established by settlers inside the boundaries of what is now Whareorino Conservation Area. Surveyed roads were never put through the forest, making access difficult. Three farmers did not return after World War I, while others eventually abandoned their farms or sold them to the Forest Service (and were, in turn, passed onto the Department of Conservation).

The most isolated farm belonged to Sam Leitch. The land he cleared (Leitch's Clearing) and the macrocarpa and eleagnus hedge he planted remain. Sam Leitch's whare is believed to have fallen down in the 1950s. In 1994 a Department of Conservation hut, Leitch's Hut, was erected next to the old whare site.

Vegetation

Whareorino covers a complete altitudinal sequence of vegetation types to the crest of the Herangi Range. The forest is dominated by tawa and other hardwoods such as hinau, kamahi, rewarewa. Emergent podocarps and northern rata are also present. At higher altitudes Quintinia (tawherowhero) is dominant, giving way to neinei, pepperwood and divaricating shrubs toward the top of the range. Steep rocky bluffs on the main range support flax and climbing rata. The subalpine vegetation on the top of the range is interspersed with areas of cushion bog, containing such species as Oreobolus pectinatus, Blechnum procerum and Baumea tenax.

Wildlife

The forest is home to a variety of New Zealand birds including bush falcon (karearea), grey warbler (riroriro), tomtit (miromiro), NZ pigeon (kereru), rifleman (titipounamu), bellbird (korimako), whitehead (popokatea), and, in summer, long-tailed cuckoo (koekoea). There have also been occasional sightings of blue duck (whio), North Island kaka, North Island brown kiwi and kokako.

Long tailed bats frequent both areas and you may see them feeding at dusk around the Macrocarpa trees at Leitch's Hut.

Two of our four species of native frog are found in Whareorino Forest. The critically endangered Archey's frog occurs in damp areas at mid-to-high altitude, while the more wid-spread Hochstetter's frog lives mainly along streams and creeks throughout the forest. It is also known to share the Archey's frog habitat.

back to top

Activities

Bird and wildlife watching

Each of the tramping tracks into Leitch's Clearing offers opportunities for bird watching. Be sure to take a pair of binoculars and a camera with you.

Dog walking

Dogs and owners are welcome to use the tramping tracks throughout the conservation area for exercise. You'll need a dog control permit, which is available from the Maniapoto Area Office. Dogs must be under control at all times.

Fishing

The Whareorino Conservation Area is home to some exceptional fishing. The headwaters of the Awakino river offer a true backcountry fishing experience with easy access via the Mahoenui Track. The headwaters are restricted to fly fishing and are highly regarded. Although numbers are low, the fish can be large, making for exciting fishing. Trout fishing licenses are necessary and can be obtained from the Fish and Game website. The fishing season is from 1 October to 30 June.

Historic sites

Settler history may still be seen in the Whareorino Conservation Area. Leitch's Clearing is the remainder of the most isolated of eight settler farms. The land Sam Leitch cleared and the macrocarpa and eleagnus hedge he planted remain.

There are four tracks that lead to Leitch's Clearing. Leitch's Track is the shortest route, while Mahoenui Track, Waikawau Track, and Mangatoa Track also lead to the Clearing. Leitch's Hut in the clearing is available for overnight use, and there are also many areas suitable for camping.

Hunting

There are moderate populations of pigs and goats throughout the Whareorino Conservation Area. Leitch's Track provides the easiest access into the area. Hunting permits are available online or by contacting your closest DOC office. Dogs must be under control at all times, particularly around the boundary of the area which adjoins neighbouring farms.

Hunting in the Whareorino area

back to top

Weather

Please check the weather forecast before undertaking activities within Whareorino - in winter and after periods of heavy rain the Awakino River may be too deep to cross.

Plan and prepare

You need to be well prepared when tramping on these tracks. Have strong comfortable shoes or boots, first aid kit, food and drink, a hat and sunscreen. At all times of the year, have warm clothing and a good rain coat.

Because of the steep terrain and heavily forested nature of Whareorino, trampers and hunters are advised to obtain the relevant topographical map. These may be purchased from the Maniapoto Area Office in Te Kuiti, or at map shops and bookstores.

Remember to leave details of your trip (return date and time, planned route, party member names and vehicle details) with a responsible person, and don't forget to check in when you return.