Hike Puketi Forest
Puketi Forest, along with Omahuta Forest, forms one of the largest contiguous tracts of native forest in New Zealand's Northland. Home to Te Tangi o te Tui Puketi, the fourth largest living kauri with a height 50.9 m (167'), Puketi is easily accessible from the Bay of Islands and Hokianga Harbour. Access to the recreation facilities can be reached from State Highway 1 or the network of secondary roads that skirt the forest.
The Puketi and Omahuta Forest offers a diverse range of walking and tramping opportunities, listed below.
Name |
Length/Time |
Description & Level of Difficulty |
| Manginangina Kauri Walk | Length: 350 m Time: 15 minute loop track | Description: interpretive panels assist with the understanding and enjoyment of a mature stand of kauri, swamp forest and associated vegetation. Access: via unsealed roads from SH 10, Waipapa Grade: Easy and well formed path/disabled access (boardwalk) |
| Puketi Nature Trail | Length: 1.6km loop track Time: 1 hr return |
Description: this easy wander begins at the Puketi Recreation Area. Many of the plants are named. Access: Puketi Recreation Area Grade: Easy and well formed walking track |
| Pirau Ridge Road, Puketi | Length: 11 km Time: 2.5 hrs |
Description: this old logging road provides walking or mountain biking opportunities between the Puketi Recreation Area and the start of the Walnut, Pukatea Ridge and Takapau Tracks. Grade: Easy and well formed walking track (mountain biking available as well) |
| Waihoanga Gorge Kauri Walk | Length: 2.6 km Time: 2 hrs return |
Description: the track is marked through farmland before crossing the Waihoanga Stream and entering the forest. It passes a variety of forest associations before entering a fine kauri grove. The track loops through this grove and returns to the main track. A full day tramp can be made by branching on to the Takapau Kauri (currently closed). Access: Puketi Road Grade: Tramping track that may require skill and experience. Suitable for people of average physical fitness. |
| Waipapa River Track | Length: 20 km Time: 2 days (5 hrs day one, 8 hrs day two) |
Description: the Waipapa River track is a scenic two day tramp following the Waipapa River through the heart of Puketi Forest. It passes through regenerating shrub land, podocarp hardwood forest, and mature kauri stands. Most trampers begin at the Puketi Recreation Area and walk downstream to forest pools. There are numerous river crossings in the upper and middle sections of the track. The second day demands a good standard of fitness and trampers should be prepared to get wet and cold as the track follows the riverbed for 7 kms. Do not attempt the Waipapa River track during heavy rain and remember the river section is arduous with the risk of hypothermia in winter. The most suitable camping spot is at camp creek. The track is best walked in summer. The Waipapa River Track links with other tracks links with other tracks creating several loop options. Do not leave cars at forest Pools over night due to the risk of theft. Access: Puketi Recreation Area or Forest Pools Picnic Area Grade: Suitable for experienced, well equipped trampers with topographical maps |
| Walnut Track | Length: 2km Time: 2 hrs |
Description: a short, steep ridge track through beautiful kauri forest connecting the Pirau Ridge Road with the Waipapa River Track. Access: from Waipapa River Track or Pirau Ridge Road Track Grade: Requires a high degree of skill and experience and route-finding ability. Suitable for well equipped trampers. |
| Pukatea Ridge Route | Length: 3.8 km Time: 2 hrs |
Description: from Pirau Ridge Road and the Pukatea Ridge Route starts 400m down the Takapau Track. It follows down Pukatea Ridge to connect with the Waipapa River Track. Grade: suitable for experienced, well equipped trampers with topographical maps. |
| Onekura and Mangahorehore Routes | Length: See Description |
Description: both these routes lead off from the quarry site on the Mokau Ridge Road. The Mokau Ridge Road is accessible to pedestrians or mountain bikes only. The Onekura Route is a short steep descent through some fine Kauri stands and reaches the Waipapa River Track after about 1 hour. The Mangahorehore Route descends to a lookout (1.5 hrs). On the way (an hour along) a side track branches off to reach the Waipapa River track near Camp creek in about 30 mins. Grade: suitable for experienced, well equipped trampers with topographical maps |
Camping & Huts
There is a camping ground at the Puketi Recreation Area, an ideal base from which to explore the attractions in the forest. A 24-bunk trampers hut and cabins at the Puketi Recreation Area is available for public use. Bookings are essential through the DOC office in Kerikeri: 09 407 8474.
Mountain Biking
The old logging roads within the forest are suitable for adventurous mountain biking. Biking is permitted on the Pirau Ridge and Mokau Ridge roads only.
Please check with the Kerikeri Area Office, Tarewa Park Visitor Centre or the Northland Conservancy Office about up to date track information.