Lookout Track
Track category
Tramping track
Time:
1 hr one way
Distance:
2.5 km
Description
Silver fern
The Lookout Track meanders through kauri, hardwood and podocarp forest to the historic forestry lookout building, which provides commanding views over the Waipoua Forest and out toward the coast.
The lookout building was built by the New Zealand Forestry Service who is one of the parent organisations of the Department of Conservation. It was built in the 1960's and during the summer period it was manned to keep an eye out for any smoke.
Getting there
The Lookout Track is located at the southern end of the Waipoua Forest. Trampers can access the track at two points off State Highway 12, either from the Waipoua Visitor Centre or the Historic Forest Lookout car park on Lookout Rd.
You may prefer to start from the lookout due to the downhill slope.
Activities
Historic sites
Plan and prepare
- Please note that there is no general store, Petrol station or supermarket in Waipoua Forest
- Nearest petrol station south is 28 km at Kaihu and north 20 km at Waimamaku
- Nearest toilets are located at the Waipoua Visitor Centre
- In strong winds, please beware of falling branches.
- Please ensure your footwear is clean before entering the bush, and is cleaned before visiting another site. This is to help prevent the spread of the kauri dieback disease Phytophthora taxon Agathis (PTA)
- Permits are required for dogs and hunting on conservation land, these can be acquired free of charge from the Kauri Coast Office.
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