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).

How to Get There

Kaharoa Conservation Area is 36km north of
Rotorua. From Rotorua, access is via Tauranga
Direct Road, Kaharoa Road, and finally Kapukapu
Road.


Attractions and Facilities

Kokako Track (or Hollows Track)
(Easy-moderate walking track, 1.5hrs return)
The track meanders through forest to a
secluded spot at Onaia Stream, returning the
same way.


Please Remember

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