Pureora Forest Park walking tracks
Track category
Walking track
Description
Rimu Track
Time: 30 min return
Rimu, Pureora Forest
From the Kakaho camping area this loop walk follows the Kakaho Stream through dense rimu forest before climbing to a viewpoint. The walk emerges a short distance along Kakaho Rd.
Mt Pureora
Time: 2 hr 30 min return
The track starts from Link Road, with boardwalks and steps to make walking easier and fantastic views at the top.
Waipapa Loop Track
Time: 30 min return
Located behind Pureora Forest Park Lodge, the track passes through tall podocarp forest. If the road gate is locked it takes an extra 10 minutes to walk from the gate to the start of the walk .
Getting there
Pureora Forest Park is 81 km southwest of Rotorua along Highway 30 via Benneydale.
Activities
Bird and wildlife watching
Dog walking
Bird and wildlife watching
Each of the walking tracks offers bird watching opportunities. Kaka, kakariki, kokako, and karearea are to be found in parts of the Pureora Forest Park, as well as kereru, tomtits, north island robins, tui, bellbirds, fantails, and wax-eyes.
Be sure to take a pair of binoculars and a camera with you.
Dog walking
Dogs and owners are welcome to use the network of walking tracks throughout the park for exercise. You'll need a dog control permit, which is available from the Maniapoto Area Office. Dogs must be under control at all times.
Plan and prepare
- All timings are approximate.
- There is no fuel in Pureora, so ensure you have enough before you visit. A small range of retail products are available at Pa Harakeke (open 7 days during the summer season, and 5 days (Mon - Fri) during winter).
- Carry enough food, water and warm clothing for a safe and enjoyable time.
- Weather conditions can change quickly so always carry warm clothing and a raincoat.
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Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.
Guides and commercial tourism providers