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Picnicing
Beautiful scenic areas with picnic tables provided for your eating pleasure. |
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Urban-Rural |
 Mauao Mount Maunganui
The dominant feature of the Tauranga district, Mauao rises 232m above sea level at the Mount Maunganui side of the entrance to Tauranga Harbour. Mauao has been of great importance to local Maori for more than six centuries and habitation terraces, storage pits, defence
trenching, bank systems and shell middens are still visible. The British Militia made
military use of Mauao in colonial days. Traces of their occupation are visible around the
base track.
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Tuapiro Point
Tuapiro Point is a small sandspit opposite the northern entrance to Tauranga Harbour.
The end of the sandspit has great views of the harbour and provides a resting place for
estuary wildlife.
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Moturiki Island and Mount Drury
Tiny, rugged Moturiki Island offers spectacular geyser-like displays from the Blow Hole at the
seaward end when big seas are running. The deep water beneath the island rocky shore
provides good fishing. Just across Marine Parade is Mount Drury, whose caves were used by
early Maori for burials. Terraces on the north-eastern slopes are evidence of Maori occupation.
The aerials on top of the hill are used by the Port of Tauranga watch office for communication
with ships.
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Latham Hill Track
Latham Hill Track starts in farmland and takes in scrub, native bush and several old Maori pa
sites. Quiet observation in the bush will often reveal bird species including tui, bellbirds, kereru
(native pigeons) and fantails. The track ends at a trig station with views of the ranges and
Rangitaiki Plains.The Awakeri Hot Springs thermally heated pools are about 500m from the
track entrance,for a swim to end the walk.
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White Pine Bush
The 4.5ha reserve contains a remnant of superb
kahikatea (white pine) forest that once occupied the fringes of the extensive wetland in the area.
The reserve has huge kahikatea, dwarfing the tawa and pukatea that provide most of the
remaing tree cover. Nikau palms are also an attraction. Hanging vines, shrubs and ferns
proliferate under the tree canopy, providing habitat for native birds including tui, kereru
(native pigeons), fantails, bellbirds, silver-eyes,grey warblers and ruru (morepork).
The Crown bought White Pine Bush in 1925. Other fine stands of kahikatea in the area were
felled for timber till the supply ran out in 1937.Kahikatea was in demand for such uses as
butter boxes for the export trade, because it did not splinter and had no smell, so butter
remained untainted.
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I' Anson Bush Reserve
Keith and Takiko I Anson gifted the land for the reserve to the QEII National Trust in 1987,
with the intention that it be transformed from farmland to native bush for the enjoyment of
the public. The Waikaraka Stream has been dammed to create Lake Taki and extensive
native flora plantings have produced a pleasant spot for picnics and walks.
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McLaren Falls Park
The park borders Lake McLaren, formed behind a dam built for hydro-electricity generation.
The landscape includes parkland and native bush. McLaren Falls has a fine botanical collection
of trees and a range of birdlife, including the North Island brown kiwi, North Island robin
and long-tailed cuckoo.The park has accommodation, with camping on any open, grassed area, except Cherry Bay,and three hostels. Trout fishing is permitted year round in the lake and nearby Ruahihi Canal
with a licence. An animal park adjoins McLaren Falls Park.
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Tauranga City Walks
The coastal city of Tauranga has park, estuary and foreshore walks that offer a varied range
of views and activities for users of all ages.
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Uretara Stream Walkway
The Uretara Landing on the banks of the Uretara Stream played an important part in the
establishment of Katikati, when Tauranga Harbour and its waterways were the most
practical transport routes for people and goods. A mural painted by Roy Cunliffe on a wall
next to the Bank of New Zealand in Katikati main street shows the landing in earlier
times, around 1900.
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Rotorua City Walks
Varied sections of walkway around Rotorua take in areas of historical, cultural, scenic and
scientific interest. Much of the landscape in Kuirau Park and along the Motutara and Te
Arikiroa sections of lakeside walk has been shaped by geothermal activity. The entire
Rotorua City Walkway measures 26km, broken into eight shorter sections.
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The Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest
Known to the locals simply as The Redwoods, the beautiful Whakarewarewa Forest is a five-minute drive from Rotorua city centre. The most popular part of the forest available for recreational use is the Tokorangi Triangle. It encompasses 288 hectares of native and exotic trees adjoining the renowned Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, providing an exquisite
visual backdrop to Rotorua.
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Hukutaia Domain
The 5ha domain contains one of the finest collections of native flora, with 80 species of native trees, shrubs, ferns and grasses, plus several hundred other native species introduced from elsewhere. Many are rare or endangered.The domain has magnificent forest settings,parkland, rock gardens and many walks.In the domain is an ancient burial tree,“Taketakerau”. It is a puriri tree, about 22m around, over 23m high and estimated to be over 2000 years old. Hollow burial trees suchas Taketakerau were used by Maori as the last resting place for the bones of important people.A local found bones in the tree while sheltering from a storm in 1913. The bones have been removed and the tapu lifted.
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Kawerau Town Walks
Kawerau, a town of 7000 people on the Tarawera River, was established in the 1950s. Various walks provide a variety of landscapes, including views of the river and the town.
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Te Waihou Walkway
Scenic beauty and history are features of the walkway, beside the upper reaches of the Waihou River. The river water is clear and pure, with an intense blue colour. Many springs and tributaries feed the river. The Blue Spring is internationally acclaimed. Its clear, blue-green water flows from the spring at 42 cubic metres (9240 gallons) per minute. The water is sold in bottled form around New Zealand and supplies the town of Putaruru without treatment.
Discover it... Love it... Live it...
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Kaimai-Mamaku |
Kaharoa Conservation Area
Kaharoa and the adjoining Onaia Ecological Area are renowned for kokako,once common in
lowland forest but now endangered. Their numbers have fallen dramatically since European
colonisation. Fewer than 1400 survive in the North Island.The kokako may be our most
beautiful songbird,using a variety of sounds including clicks, buzzes and mews,
especially around dawn. At other times you may see one high in the tree canopy.
In recent years the Kaharoa Kokako Trust, DoC, Environment Bay of Plenty and volunteers
have improved the forest health and the numbers of kokako in the area has increased. There
are also good populations of tui,bellbirds,whiteheads, robins, morepork owls, native
pigeons and even a few North Island brown kiwi.An impressive range of native trees include
rimu, totara, kohekohe, tawa, puriri, rewarewa,mahoe, kamahi, nikau and mamaku.
Deep gorges shelter the rare kingfern (para).
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McLaren Falls Park
The park borders Lake McLaren, formed behind a dam built for hydro-electricity generation.
The landscape includes parkland and native bush. McLaren Falls has a fine botanical collection
of trees and a range of birdlife, including the North Island brown kiwi, North Island robin
and long-tailed cuckoo.The park has accommodation, with camping on any open, grassed area, except Cherry Bay,and three hostels. Trout fishing is permitted year round in the lake and nearby Ruahihi Canal
with a licence. An animal park adjoins McLaren Falls Park.
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Te Aroha Walks
Te Aroha township, developed in the 1880s as a spa town, has 22 springs, 15 of which are hot.
The Domain retains the look of Edwardian times with formal gardens and many of the old
bathhouse buildings. Mt Te Aroha is the highest point in the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park at
952m.
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Wairere Falls
The Wairere Falls track takes walkers through a beautiful, diverse range of natural scenery.
Besides the spectacular 153m high falls there are beautiful river falls and cascades, a fine grove
of nikau, puriri and kohekohe, and an upper section of track takes you through tree ferns
and totara in native forest. The falls lookout and summit offer magnificent views of the
valley and the Waikato Plains.In summer there are plenty of pools to wade
and paddle in, and the track can be explored further up the river.
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Aongatete Lodge Track
Walks around the Aongatete Outdoor Education Lodge, in the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park, take in lovely lowland podocarp-broadleaf forest with a variety of native species. The walks vary from a short nature trail to a more demanding three-and-a-half hour tramp.
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Hendersons Tramline
Hendersons Tramline loop track follows the route of bush tramlines and haul lines once used to extract logs from the bush.The walk includes forest and clearings near the fringe of the park. A side track off the main walk leads down to the base of a waterfall and a large swimming hole.
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Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park
The 37,000ha forest park is a living museum of natural and human history.The park marks the northern limit of kamahi, red and silver beech,and the southern limit of the huge kauri. Birdlife includes the fantail, North Island Robin, kereru (native pigeon), waxeye or silver-eye, tui and tomtit. Kiwi and morepork (ruru) can sometimes be heard at night, the North Island kaka is a rare sight, and the shining cuckoo and bellbird are more often heard than seen. Maori established routes across the Kaimai Ranges for trading and raiding. Later,these trails were used by Europeans. The introduction of logging and mining had a substantial impact on areas of the park which are clearly visible in the form of caves, tramlines and remnants of kauri.
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Karangahake Gorge
The Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway follows the old Paeroa-Waihi railway line
through the gorge above the Ohinemuri River.It passes historical features associated with the
gold fields. Beside the walkway can be seen the remains of mine buildings and machinery,
including stamper batteries used to extract gold from quartz. The walkway gives a fascinating
glimpse of the history of a major gold producing area that operated from 1875 to 1952.
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Mount Otanewainuku
Mount Otanewainuku (640m) is covered in virgin forest. Emergent podocarps, especially
rimu, are common. Tawa, kamahi and rewarewa form the canopy and bird life is prolific.
Geologically, Otanewainuku is a rhyolitic dome rising above the ignimbrite Mamaku plateau.
The summit gives panoramic views from East Cape to Mt Tarawera, across the Mamaku Plateau
Maori legend says Tutanekai, lover of Hinemoa,leapt off Otanewainuku to escape his Rotorua
enemies.Walks in the area range from a 30-minute stroll to demanding and lengthy tramping.
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Otawa Scenic Reserve
Otawa Scenic Reserve in the Papamoa Hills contains attractive lowland forest dominated
by tawa and rewarewa. Wharetetarakeho Trig offers excellent views over the Bay of
Plenty coast. At the Manoeka Road entrance is a pleasant bushwalk and picnic area.
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Te Rerekawau (Kaiate Falls)
Te Rerekawau Falls are
created where the Kaiate
Stream drops over
ignimbrite bluffs in
a series of cascades and
waterfalls in a
pretty,bush-filled
ravine. Attractions
include a
popular swimming hole at
the base of the lower
falls,and a number of
large puriri and
kohekohe along the well
formed tracks.
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Whirinaki Forest |
Marawaiwai Scenic Reserve
The reserve is an area of semi-coastal broadleaf forest of a type that would once have covered
much of the Opotiki area. The forest and the small raupo wetland support many common
bush birds. Some native plant species along the track have names posted.
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H Tree Track
Whirinaki Forest Park offers a variety of short
walks that visit some of the parkís special
features and show off the magnificent ëdinosaurí
forest, dominated by towering examples of
kahikatea, totara, matai, rimu, miro and much
tawa. Birdlife includes rare species, especially
the whio (blue duck), North Island kaka, red
and yellow crowned kakariki, kiwi and kereru.
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Whirinaki Waterfall Track
This easy loop track follows the Whirinaki River through superb podocarp forest
with many excellent vantage points. The waterfall can be heard from some distance.
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White Pine Bush
The 4.5ha reserve contains a remnant of superb
kahikatea (white pine) forest that once occupied the fringes of the extensive wetland in the area.
The reserve has huge kahikatea, dwarfing the tawa and pukatea that provide most of the
remaing tree cover. Nikau palms are also an attraction. Hanging vines, shrubs and ferns
proliferate under the tree canopy, providing habitat for native birds including tui, kereru
(native pigeons), fantails, bellbirds, silver-eyes,grey warblers and ruru (morepork).
The Crown bought White Pine Bush in 1925. Other fine stands of kahikatea in the area were
felled for timber till the supply ran out in 1937.Kahikatea was in demand for such uses as
butter boxes for the export trade, because it did not splinter and had no smell, so butter
remained untainted.
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Arohaki Lagoon
Whirinaki Forest Park offers a variety of short
walks that visit some of the parkís special
features and show off the magnificent ëdinosaurí
forest, dominated by towering examples of
kahikatea, totara, matai, rimu, miro and much
tawa. Birdlife includes rare species, especially
the whio (blue duck), North Island kaka, red
and yellow crowned kakariki, kiwi and kereru.
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Whirinaki Forest Park
Whirinaki Forest Park has something for everyone, with terrain ranging from flats to
steep uplands. The park, known as a ‘dinosaur forest, has many tall trees that are centuries
old. Sights include giant podocarps, views of the river cutting through an ancient lava flow,
and caves with pumice deposits and remnants of the Taupo eruption nearly 2000 years ago.
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Waioeka Gorge Scenic Reserve
The reserve is 1800ha of forest and regenerating farmland. The area was cleared for farming
after World War 1, but the steep land and then the depression deafeated the settlers. The
Tauranga and Manganuku Bridges are among evidence of the pioneer farming in the area. The
Tauranga Bridge is one of only two harp suspension bridges in the country.
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Waiatiu Falls
Whirinaki Forest Park offers a variety of short
walks that visit some of the parkís special
features and show off the magnificent ëdinosaurí
forest, dominated by towering examples of
kahikatea, totara, matai, rimu, miro and much
tawa. Birdlife includes rare species, especially
the whio (blue duck), North Island kaka, red
and yellow crowned kakariki, kiwi and kereru.
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Sanctuary
Whirinaki Forest Park offers a variety of short
walks that visit some of the parkís special
features and show off the magnificent ëdinosaurí
forest, dominated by towering examples of
kahikatea, totara, matai, rimu, miro and much
tawa. Birdlife includes rare species, especially
the whio (blue duck), North Island kaka, red
and yellow crowned kakariki, kiwi and kereru.
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Lakes And Geothermal |
Okareka Walkway
The 2.5km Okareka walkway is part of a continuing community revegetation project aimed at improving lake water quality and re-establishing wildlife habitats. A 500m boardwalk provides assisted wheelchair access to the wetland area of the walk.
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McLaren Falls Park
The park borders Lake McLaren, formed behind a dam built for hydro-electricity generation.
The landscape includes parkland and native bush. McLaren Falls has a fine botanical collection
of trees and a range of birdlife, including the North Island brown kiwi, North Island robin
and long-tailed cuckoo.The park has accommodation, with camping on any open, grassed area, except Cherry Bay,and three hostels. Trout fishing is permitted year round in the lake and nearby Ruahihi Canal
with a licence. An animal park adjoins McLaren Falls Park.
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Rotorua City Walks
Varied sections of walkway around Rotorua take in areas of historical, cultural, scenic and
scientific interest. Much of the landscape in Kuirau Park and along the Motutara and Te
Arikiroa sections of lakeside walk has been shaped by geothermal activity. The entire
Rotorua City Walkway measures 26km, broken into eight shorter sections.
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Blue Lake
The Blue Lake (Tikitapu) is one of the closest, lakes to Rotorua. Its clear blue waters are popular with water skiers, swimmers and boaties. An easy walking track circles the lake taking in beautiful beaches, native bush and the exotic conifers of Whakarewarewa Forest. There are good views over Blue Lake and the nearby Green Lake (Rotokakahi).
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Lake Okataina Scenic Reserve
The Lake Okataina area was an important link in pre-European routes, when canoes were carried from Lake Tarawera to Lake Okataina.Okataina Road follows one of these ancient portage routes.
The Lake Okataina Scenic Reserve is a pristine natural area with native bush down to the waters edge. The reserve is rich in birdlife and contains fine examples of rimu, totara, rata and kahikatea.
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Lake Rerewhakaaitu Recreational Reserves
Lake Rerewhakaaitu is a site of special wildlife interest. It supports breeding populations of
dabchicks, scaup and the largest breeding population of banded dotterel in the Rotorua
Ecological District.
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Lake Rotoiti
Lake Rotoiti is popular for water sports and fishing. The lake has a navigable water link with
Lake Rotorua. Among important cultural, historic and scenic sites around the lake are Okere Falls
Scenic Reserve and Hinehopu/Hongi Track (Lake Rotoiti Scenic Reserve, Hinehopu Scenic Reserve).
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Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve
The 1886 eruption, which killed 153 people and raised the lake surface by 12m, shaped the
Tarawera landscape. The lake drains eastward through the Tarawera River, over spectacular
falls. The reserve contains walking tracks and many recreational and cultural sites,
including those at Tarawera Landing, The Orchard, Humphries Bay and Hot Water Beach.
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Coastal |
Mauao Mount Maunganui
The dominant feature of the Tauranga district, Mauao rises 232m above sea level at the Mount Maunganui side of the entrance to Tauranga Harbour. Mauao has been of great importance to local Maori for more than six centuries and habitation terraces, storage pits, defence
trenching, bank systems and shell middens are still visible. The British Militia made
military use of Mauao in colonial days. Traces of their occupation are visible around the
base track.
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Moturiki Island and Mount Drury
Tiny, rugged Moturiki Island offers spectacular geyser-like displays from the Blow Hole at the
seaward end when big seas are running. The deep water beneath the island rocky shore
provides good fishing. Just across Marine Parade is Mount Drury, whose caves were used by
early Maori for burials. Terraces on the north-eastern slopes are evidence of Maori occupation.
The aerials on top of the hill are used by the Port of Tauranga watch office for communication
with ships.
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Tauranga City Walks
The coastal city of Tauranga has park, estuary and foreshore walks that offer a varied range
of views and activities for users of all ages.
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The Nga Tapuwae O Toi Walkway (Ohope Scenic Reserve)
Translated as ‘the footprints of Toi the 16 kilometres of walkways on the outskirts of
Whakatane are accessible to most people,regardless of fitness, because they can be walked
in sections or as one round trip. Nga Tapuwae o Toi visits three major scenic reserves and a
historic reserve. The walkway passes through native and exotic forest, and along coastline
and riverbank.In Ngati Awa oral tradition Toi was a great chief,descendant of the legendary
voyager Tiwakawaka and founder of a great tribe. The walkway visits Toi stronghold
Kapu-te-rangi overlooking Whakatane. The walkway crosses Kohi Point Scenic Reserve,
Ohope Beach, travels through the Ohope Scenic Reserve pohutukawa forest, across remnants
of native forest to the regenerating flora of Mokorua Bush Scenic Reserve.
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Bowentown Domain
Bowentown Domain is a beautiful reserve of 128 hectares on a rocky headland at the
northern entrance to Tauranga Harbour. The headland has several important Maori pa sites,
as it was much sought after as a living area in early times. The Te Ho pa site on the eastern
headland has magnificent views. Te Kura a Maiapa site is on the southern headland.
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Gerald Crapp Historic Reserve
The 2ha Gerald Crapp Historic Reserve contains splendid mature trees, including a Moreton Bay
fig, the legacy of one pioneer family in the days when the shores of Tauranga Harbour were
largely treeless. The reserve is also the site of Wai Huri Pa, of historical importance to the
Waharoa people. The area offers magnificent views of the harbour and Matakana Island.
A number of walking tracks allow a circuit of much of the Omokoroa Peninsula, including a
visit to the historic reserve on the headland.
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Kauri Point Historic Reserve
Kauri Point has historic Maori pafortifications and trenches, as well as superb
examples of pohutukawa trees fringing the shore. Kauri Point jetty extends 196 metres
out into Tauranga Harbour and is a popular fishing spot.
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Orokawa and Homunga Bay
Orokawa Scenic Reserve contains uncommon remnants of coastal forest, pohutukawa-fringed
beaches, beautiful views and picnic spots, and good rock fishing. There are many historic pa
sites. Mine tunnels along the coast recall largely unsuccessful attempts to extract gold
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Western Whakatane Coastal Reserves
The Matata Wildlife Reserve, Matata Recreation Reserve and the Thornton Wildlife Management
Reserve make up the Western Whakatane Coastal Recreation reserves.
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