Mokaihaha Ecological Area

Located in the Bay of Plenty region

Mokaihaha Ecological Area is rich in Maori history and has high conservation and scientific values. Walkers on the Mokaihaha Track can listen to the calls of tui, kereru, bellbirds and fantail.

Mokaihaha Ecological Area is on the Mamaku Plateau, 9.6 km south-east of Mamaku township.

From Rotorua, take SH5 for 1 km. Turn left up Dansey Rd to Mamaku, then turn left onto South Rd by Mamaku School.

Dogs, horses, vehicles (including bikes and motorbikes), fires, removal of plants or animals, and hunting without a permit are not permitted in the Mokaihaha Ecological Area.

Mokaihaha Ecological Area has the largest remaining block of the extensive native forest that once covered the Mamaku Plateau. Podocarp trees, such as rimu, miro and matai are plentiful and the forest flooris think with healthy new seedlings.

Birdlife includes tūī, kererū, bellbirds and fantails. Kākā (native parrots) occassional delight walkers, and the endangered kōkako may be heard in the dawn chorus.

Short-tailed bats are also present.

The area contains several trails once used by Maori travelling between the Waikato and Rotorua.