Otawa Scenic Reserve walking tracks
Walking track
About the area
Otawa Scenic Reserve in the Papamoa Hills contains attractive lowland forest dominated by tawa and rewarewa. It is located in the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park.
Description
Upper Papamoa Road to Manoeka Road
Time: 4 hr one way
From the top of Upper Papamoa Road, access to the reserve is across private farmland via a formed farm vehicle track, then past Wharetetarakeho Trig where there are excellent views over the Bay of Plenty coastline. Please leave gates as you find them.
Entering the forest, the track follows the gently undulating ridgeline to Otawa Trig (2 hours). Visitors can retrace their steps or continue along the track, which then descends steeply to meet the reservoir track at the end of Manoeka Road (another 2 hours).
400 metres past the Otawa Trig, a branch to the right leads to Otanewainuku. It is approximately 16 km and 8 hours to Mountain Road from here. For a map and further details of this track contact:
Manoeka Road to Reservoir
Time: 15 min one way
A well defined track crosses the Kirikiri Stream into the reserve and continues on through a lovely puriri grove to a small clearing beside Te Puke’s original water reservoir.
Plan and prepare
At the end of Manoeka Road, which is off SH 2 between Te Puke and Papamoa, a gravel road leads to a parking and picnic area.Please consult a topographic Map.
Mountain biking is not permitted.
You must be well prepared when walking on conservation land, especially on longer day walks. Ensure you have strong, comfortable boots, a good raincoat, warm clothing, first aid kit, food and drink, a hat and sunscreen. It is also advisable that you leave your tramping intentions with a responsible person, in case you get lost.
What to expect on a walking track:
- Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
- Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
- Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
- Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required
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