Otanewainuku walking tracks
Walking track
Getting there
Located south of Tauranga and Te Puke.
Take Oropi Road south from Tauranga and turn onto Mountain Road just past Oropi. There is a small car park, public shelter, toilet and picnic area by the road. Alternatively, access Mountain Road from No 2 Road near Te Puke.
About the area
You can walk through the virigin forest covering Mount Otanewainuku in the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park. These walks range from a 30-minute stroll to demanding and lengthy tramping.
Mount Otanewainuku is covered in virgin forest and bird life is prolific. Emergent podocarps, especially rimu, are common and tawa, kamahi and rewarewa form the canopy.
Description
Whataroa waterfall is a popular
swimming hole and picnic spot
Summit Track
Time: 1 hr 30 min return
The loop track to the summit starts behind the shelter and is reasonably steep in parts, but the view from the top is worth the climb. A tower constructed on the summit (640 metres) offers panoramic views from East Cape to Mount Tarawera and Rotorua, and across the Mamaku Plateau to Mount Ruapehu.
Rimu Loop Walk
Time: 45 min return
The rimu loop walk starts from the opposite side of the road near the carpark. It is a gently graded walk that features some impressively large rimu trees, and finishes back at the road. Although a gentle walk, this track is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
Mountain Road to Whataroa Waterfall
Time: 60 min one way
For the slightly more agile a well marked route branches off the rimu loop track after 15 minutes and undulates through the forest to the Whataroa Falls. Explore this lovely stream with cascades and pools before returning the same way. Beyond the waterfall this track goes north to the main ridge track which leads to Otawa Scenic Reserve. It is around 18.5 km or 9 hours to Upper Papamoa Road. For a map and further details on this track contact:
Plan and prepare
Note: Some of these short walks require more than one hour.
No dogs are permitted in the Otanewainuku Scenic Reserve.
No Mountain biking permitted.
What to expect on a walking track:
- Gentle walking from a few minutes to a day
- Mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
- Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
- Some tracks suitable for mountain biking
- Clearly sign posted. Water crossings bridged
- Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required
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