Bluff Stream Kauri Loop Track
Track category
Tramping track
Time:
3 hr to complete loop
Distance:
4.5 km
Description
Giant Kauri tree, through the Bluff
Stream Kauri Loop Track
From the end of Franklin Road the track follows the Waitawheta River with private farmland on either side where it soon meets up with the Waitawheta Tramline bed. The loop walk turns east off the Waitawheta Tramway just past the entrance to the forest park, crossing the river at the marked point. Head up the spur eastwards to the Kauri Grove. The walk is pleasant with views over the open river and the approaching regenerating forest: young kauri, rimu, tanekaha, kahikatea and totara. Maungawhio Tapu ahead dominates the view; a dome shaped knoll whose rocky bluff indicates the northern extent of the gorge. The track descends sharply and eventually rejoins the Waitawheta Tramway. Head back north to the end of Franklin Road.
Other activities
Bird and wildlife watching
The giant kauri on this track were beyond the reach of axemen and sawmillers who came through here in the early 20th Century. Once common, the kauri trees have all but disappeared from this part of New Zealand. A boardwalk around the trees protects their delicate roots from trampling.
Getting there
The track starts from the end of Franklin Road off Waitawheta Road, from SH 2, north of Tauranga.
Activities
Bird and wildlife watching
Plan and prepare
Caution is requried when crossing the Waitawheta River as it can become impassable during heavy rain. The water level rises very rapidly. Cross only at marked points.
Multiple river crossings required.
No mountain biking permitted.
Please consult a topographical map.
Guides and commercial tourism providers