Rapurapu Track
Track category
Tramping track
Time:
1 hr 15 min one way
Distance:
5 km
Description
The first 600 m are through a previously grazed area that is being revegetated using radiata pine and tree lucerne as nursery crops. The track enters a terrace of tawa forest then drops down to the Rapurapu Stream which it then follows, before reaching a boardwalk at the base of the kauri trees. The largest tree measures 180 cm in diameter and 14 m to the first branch.
A view of the three big trees may be obtained from the rocks in the middle of the stream, just before climbing the boardwalk steps. Kauri have a shallow root system which can easily be damaged. Please keep to the board walk to avoid trampling the sensitive roots.Return along the same track.
Getting there
On SH 29, about 4 km past the Kaimai Summit towards the Waikato side, a short gravel road on the left (not signposted) leads to a parking area where the track begins. This area is an ecological reserve within the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park.
Activities
Bird and wildlife watching
Bird and wildlife watching
The enormous kauri at the end of this track are growing at roughly the historical southern limit for kauri growing in the wild. A boardwalk around the tree protects their shalllow roots from trampling.
Plan and prepare
Caution! Multiple river crossings are required. These are not difficult during good weather but may become impassable after heavy rain.
Please consult a topographic map.
Mountain biking is not permitted.
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