Tawarau Forest tramping tracks

Track category

Tramping track

Description

Tawarau Falls Loop Track (#13)

Time: 3 hr to complete loop or 2 hr return to Tawarau Falls

You can choose to walk this track as a loop or extend it with the Double Falls track, or use it to link up with the Gorge Track. Combining the Tawarau Falls Loop track with the walk to the Double Falls will take 5 hr 30 min return.

Prince of Wales Feathers fern,
Tawarau Falls Loop Track

From the Appletree Road end and heading to the Tawarau Falls the track climbs briefly then drops to the Tawarau River. It then runs along the northern bank of the meandering river before crossing a bridge to the south bank.

There are three river crossings from this point to the falls and you walk through a section of forest where the understory is lush with Prince of Wales feathers fern (double crepe fern). A sign marks the entrance to the falls located 5 min off the main track. A chain is in place to aid access to the bottom of the falls.

The track continues on to complete the loop or you can return the way you came. Amazing limestone bluffs, beautiful ferns and the small falls of water along the track make this a memorable place.

Double Falls Track (#14)

Time: 3 hr 30 min from Were Road or 2 hr from Appletree road end

Double Falls Gorge

You can reach these beautiful and secluded falls from Appletree Rd end, or along the Gorge track. From Appletree Rd end, a well-formed track takes you through regenerating native forest and then through a pine block on a forestry road for a short section. Check out the giant oyster fossils in the limestone outcrop.

The last 20 min is a steep descent to the falls. Between the two falls a stream disappears underground and reappears at the top of the second waterfall cascading over a mossy rockface. It is an idyllic spot at the bottom of a rocky gorge surrounded by bluffs and boulders - a perfect place to explore, have lunch and bathe your feet in the stream.

Gorge Track (#15)

Time: 3 hr 30 min

This track follows Mangaohae Stream until it flows through a spectacular limestone gorge and enters the Tawarau River. You can access this track from either Were Rd or Speedies Rd. Both start by crossing farmland. Please follow the markers and be mindful and respectful of stock. From Were Rd end, the Tawarau/Double Falls track branches off the Gorge Track across a swingbridge, after approximately two hours.

The main track continues down the river to Speedies Road. The track can be muddy so come prepared. From Speedies Road end, the Tawarau/Double Falls track junction is about 1 hr 30 min. Blackberry Flat (500 m north of the Tawarau/Double Falls track junction) is a good campsite, though there are several other good camping sites in the forest. The Gorge Track was once known as the Kawhia to Mahoenui highway

View larger map to print (JPG,163K)

Getting there

Tawarau Forest is west of the Waitomo Caves. It's approximately 34 km from Waitomo to Speedies Rd and 38 km to Were Rd. Its various track entrances are about 1 hr 30 min drive from Hamilton.

Maps: use NZ Topo50 Piopio BF32 1:50 000.

Activities

Dog walking

Dogs and owners are welcome to use the tramping tracks throughout Tawarau for exercise. You must have a dog control permit, which is available from the Maniapoto Area Office. Dogs must be under control at all times.

Fishing

Tawarau offers a number of fishing opportunities with a backdrop of spectacular limestone bluffs and native forest. Rainbow trout are present in reasonable numbers and limestone formations provide a variety of interesting pools and runs.

The Gorge Track at the end of Were Rd allows access to the Mangaohae Stream down to its confluence with the Tawarau River. A marginal strip provides public access to virtually all of the Mangaohae Stream except where the stream loops away from the Mangaohae Rd.

Trout fishing licenses are necessary and can be obtained from the Fish and Game website. The fishing season is from 1 October to 30 June each year.

Hunting

Tawarau Forest has moderate populations of pigs throughout.

There are a number of access ways into Tawarau; please note some cross private land and permission may be needed for access or parking.

Hunting permits are available online or by contacting your closest DOC office. Dogs must be under control at all times, particularly around the boundary of the area which adjoins neighbouring farms.

Hunting in the Tawarau Forest area

Specialist activities: Karst appreciation

Tawarau Forest is one of the best remaining examples of a virgin forest growing in a karst (limestone) landscape. Rocky gorges, limestone bluffs and boulders, and fossilised creatures are features of the area.

The stunning landscape may be seen from any of the tramping tracks within the Tawarau Forest.

Plan and prepare

You need to be well prepared when tramping on these tracks. Have strong comfortable shoes or boots, warm clothing, a good rain coat, first aid kit, food and drink, a hat and sunscreen.

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.