Pureora Forest Park

Birds

Kaka, kakariki, kokako, and karearea are to be found in parts of the park, as well as kereru, tomtits, north island robins, tui, bellbirds, fantails, and wax-eyes.

The forest tower is a good way to see birds in the tops of trees, and is easily accessed from the end of Bismark Rd. The Waipapa Loop Track is another easily accessed track on the edge of the Waipapa Ecological Area, where pest control has increased bird numbers.

Bats

New Zealand has two species of bats – the long tail and short tail bat. Both bats may be viewed at dusk in some locations around the park.

The Ngaherenga campground offers views of short tail bats as they leave a roosting tree. Long tail bats may be seen and heard along Select Loop Road.

Due to their size and speed, bats are difficult to see - a bat detector is handy.

The northern block of the Pureora Forest Park has areas available for four wheel driving.

The King Country 4WD group works in partnership with DOC to open and maintain 4WD tracks for public access and enjoyment.

Access into the north block is along Waitaramoa Rd, off SH30 (the Te Kuiti – Mangakino Highway) almost opposite the Pureora Field Base.

Horse riding is a limited activity within the Pureora Forest Park. You'll need a horse permit for each rider. Get a horse permit from the local DOC office.

Permit conditions

Horses are only allowed to be ridden along formed roads and forestry tracks.

Horses are not allowed to be taken on:

• formed or marked walking tracks
• picnics areas
• campgrounds, or
• other sites developed for visitor use.
   

Horses are not allowed to be tethered where they’re able to browse native vegetation. Horses are also not allowed to remain overnight.

Be safe and courteous in any area where other park visitors may be encountered – especially where vehicles may be traveling.

Pureora Forest Park contains many kilometres of roads and tracks suitable for quad bike riding. Quad bikers may explore all the formed roads and tracks within Pureora Forest Park, wherever old cut earth of "bladed" lines are found. A range of easy and technical rides are ready to be discovered.

Select Loop Road and Okahukura Loop provide beginner or easy tracks for people to try quad biking. The tracks around Piropiro Flats (excluding the Timber Trail) are also suitable for quad biking.