A frosty morning in Pureora Forest Park
Image: Amy Templeman | Creative Commons
Located in the Waikato region
In 1946 Pureora Forest was one of the last native forests to be opened up for logging. Choose one of the walking and mountain biking tracks within the park and discover historic relics while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Find out more about the history of Pureora Forest Park including the Ongarue Tramway and Spiral which survives unmodified.
Pureora Forest Park straddles the Hauhungaroa and Rangitoto Ranges between Lake Taupō and Te Kuiti. It is a hidden wonderland of tall trees, clear rivers and rare wildlife.
This 12 m high tower is a 10 minute walk from Bismarck Rd car park. It gives you an entirely different perspective of life up in the forest canopy. It is a good spot for observing native birds such as kuku (kereru/native pigeon), kakariki (parakeets), and kaka (forest parrot).
1800 years ago a forest was knocked over, buried and preserved by a violent eruption from a huge volcano, whose remains now form Lake Taupō. In 1983 this remarkable forest was accidentally uncovered by a digger. Today the uncovered logs lie as they fell during the volcanic eruption.
This book offers a sweeping history of Pureora Forest Park, one of the most significant sites of natural and cultural history interest in New Zealand. Read about the geological history of the volcanic zone, the flora and fauna, and the history of Māori and European use of the forest. Download order form (PDF, 439K)
Pureora Forest Park lies between Te Kuiti, Taumaranui and Lake Taupo and is easily accessed by SH 30 and SH 32.
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 Monday to Friday during winter).
The nearest facilities are at Benneydale, 15 minutes west along SH30.
Fletchers Road in Pureora Forest Park has suffered a large creek wash-out that is impassable to vehicles.
The Okauaka Ford, located near the end of Piropiro Road, is seriously undermined and a section is sagging. Restricted to light vehicle use only (up to 3,000 kg).
Keep vehicle well clear of the damaged upstream side of ford. The carpark and amenity area near the ford are still open and available for use. Construction to replace the ford will begin soon.
The Timber Trail and access to Piropiro Campsite do not cross this ford.
Because of the terrain and heavily forested nature of the park trampers and hunters are advised to obtain the relevant topographical maps available from the local DOC office:
| Te Kuiti Office | |
| Phone: | +64 7 878 1050 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | tekuiti@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
78 Taupiri Street Te Kuiti 3910 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 38 Te Kuiti 3941 |
| Full office details | |