Bridge into White Pine Bush Track

White Pine Bush

Nestled in the heart of an enthralling kahikatea forest, the White Pine Bush Road loop is perfect for families. Located on White Pine Bush Road, 20 km south of Whakatāne, the flat loop track ambles through native trees and within minutes, you are amidst melodic birdsong and cicadas chirping.

A picturesque stream and small waterfall are both visible from the track—sometimes you can spot small fish, eels and koura (freshwater crayfish).

Please do not touch the giant stinging nettle (ongaonga), especially in summer, when it is full of new growth. Despite its fierce reputation, ongaonga is the exclusive food of the red admiral butterfly.

The 4.5-hectare reserve includes a wheelchair walkway into the heart of the reserve and a school nature trail.

Photo credit: nzpocketguide.com team.

Distance: 1.6 km
Difficulty level: Easy
Time required: 30 mins
Toilet Facilities: None

You might also like...

Group on Motu Trails

Dunes Trail

Meandering over Ōpōtiki’s dunes and beach, it's just as good for walking and running as it is for biking. With no hills above 15 metres, and plenty of places to access the sand, children love it!

Family walking Latham's Track

Latham's Hill Track

Walk over rolling farmland which leads up to native bush and a trig station. There you can enjoy superb views over the Rangitāiki Plains.

Parent and child kayaking on Lake Matahina

Lake Matahina

The sparkling blue waters of Lake Matahina offers excellent family kayaking and is an ideal spot for training.

Burma Road trail

Burma Road

If you're keen for a simple family spin, go to Maraetotara in Ōhope. Ride up the unsealed Maraetotara Road into the bush-edged Burma Rd to the main Ōhope-Whakatāne highway.

Kayakers on the Tarawera River

Tarawera River at Kawerau

Ready for whitewater fun? If you’ve got play boats, slalom kayaks, or maybe a couple of old car inner tubes, you’ll have a great time in Kawerau.

Explore by Category