Activities in Aorangi Forest Park
Tracks and walks
Tramping track
A two to three day walk across the southern Aorangi range offers stunning views of Palliser Bay across to the Rimutakas. The track can be accessed from the caretaker’s residence at Te Kopi along the Cape Palliser Road and it ends at the Maungatoetoe, further along the coastline just south of Ngawi.
Other walks
Three 2-3 hour walks lead to the Putangirua Pinnacles in Aorangi Forest Park. There is also a 3-4 hour walk with excellent views of Palliser Bay and Lake Onoke.
Other activities
Recreational hunting, tramping, walking, cycling, off-roading, and camping are activities you can enjoy in and around the Aorangi Forest Park.
The western side of the southern section of the park is the most popular, particularly for hunters, because of the ease of access by road and on foot, and the greater number of animals in the southern region. The five valleys that can be reached from Cape Palliser Road offer a wide scope for hunting deer, pigs and the occasional goat.
The Cape Palliser coast is popular for surfcasting, diving, surfing, and picnicking. It is, however, unsafe for swimming.
You can cycle around the Cape Palliser coastline.
Four wheel driving
A 26 km route through the park from Te Kopi to Waikuku on the Aorangi Road, south of Martinborough is opened up to four wheel drive enthusiasts, motorists and cyclists several times a year. The Department of Conservation is supporting the Akatarawa Recreational Access Committee to provide this unique off road opportunity. For details of the open days contact Rod Lonsdale from ARAC. Phone: +64 6 308 8091.
Hunting
Aorangi Forest Park is a Recreational Hunting Area: commercial hunting is not permitted. The Tauanui Valley, in the northern block, offers good deer hunting.
In the southern block, the Otakaha (Kawakawa) and the Makotukutuku (Washpool) catchments are popular. Goats are confined to the eastern side of the south block and Waihora catchments. Pigs occur in low numbers throughout the park.
Hunters who secure trophies are asked to provide details to DOC, Masterton, so that measurements and other details can be taken for a trophy register. It will be held for ongoing reference and guidance to future hunters.
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