Otanewainuku walking tracks
Track category
Walking track
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:
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.
Activities
Bird and wildlife watching
Child/family friendly activities
Bird and wildlife watching
Good populations of robin, kereru and common native birds such as tui and fantail are readily seen and heard at Otanewainuku.
Child/family friendly activities
The short rimu loop walk is an excellent nature trail and an introduction to New Zealand native bush for children, with an easy grade and some trees labelled with information about their natural history. The track is suitable for sturdy pushchairs but these must be carried through some short sections of steep/narrow track.
About the area
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.
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.
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