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.

How to Get There

The Aongatete Outdoor Education Lodge is in
the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park at the end of Wright Road, off State Highway 2 between Tauranga and Katikati.

Attractions and Facilities

Nature trail loop

(Easy walking, 15 mins return)
The loop track starts at the lodge, behind the ablution block. Follow the track to a junction where the nature-trail branches to the right and returns to the lodge.


Loop walks

Short loop (easy walking, 1hr return)
Follow the loop track to a left-hand branch; turn left for the short loop, a well graded walk to another left turn, then to a stile over a fence on the edge of the bush and across a paddock to the car park.

Long loop (moderate tramping, 3.5hrs return)

Follow the loop track to a left-hand branch, straight ahead is the long loop track; the long loop track is more difficult, with stream crossings. Boots are recommended.


Aongatete River

(Moderate walking, 1hr return)
A track from the western side of the lodge leads to the river. A left branch after 15 minutes leads to some attractive swimming holes. Return by the same route. The track may be slippery in damp conditions.


There is a carpark before the lodge gate, which >may be locked at any time.
Please Remember

Dogs, horses, vehicles (including bicycles and
motorbikes), fires, removal of plants or animals,
camping or hunting are not permitted.