Stepping into Whirinaki Forest is like travelling back in time. Giant trees, ancient and moss-laden, tower overhead, soaring up to 65m (215ft) into the sky. This information is shared, with permission, from the Department of Conversation (DOC)
Arohaki Lagoon Track
Arohaki Lagoon is one of the must see sites in the Whirinaki.
Impressive tawa/podocarp forest leads to a rain-fed waterway which is home to a number of rare birds. Birdlife includes the blue duck/whio, North Island kākā, red and yellow crowned kākāriki, kiwi and kererū.
PHOTO Credit: Neil Hutton ©
Difficulty: EASY | Duration: 3 hours
H Tree Track
The H Tree Track in Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park is an easy loop track through grand podocarp forest. The forest is home to a number of native birds, including kaka.
PHOTO Credit: Neil Hutton ©
Difficulty: EASY | Duration: 1 hours
Moerangi Track
This shared-use track includes an overnight stop at an historic hut and amazing views from the top of the Moerangi saddle (955 m). Listen for the piercing calls of kiwi at night.
PHOTO Credit: Malcolm O'Neill, Hiking New Zealand
Difficulty: INTERMEDIATE | Duration: 3 Days
Sanctuary Track and night walk
The Sanctuary Track is an easy loop track that goes through remnant podocarp forest. You can also walk it at night as the Whirinaki Night Life Walk.
PHOTO Credit: Neil Hutton ©
Difficulty: EASY | Duration: 1 hour 30mins
Te Pua-a-Tāne Circuit
The Te Pua-a-Tāne Circuit is the ultimate Whirinaki challenge for the more adventurous - a 78.7km loop
PHOTO Credit: Neil Hutton ©
Difficulty: ADVANCED | Duration: 5 days
Waiatiu Falls Track
A 1 hour 30 minutes return walk, the Waiatiu Falls Track in Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park leads through podocarp forest before reaching the picturesque falls.
PHOTO Credit: Neil Hutton ©
Difficulty: EASY | Duration: 1hour 15mins
Whirinaki Recreation Camp tracks
Walk through native forest, along the Whirinaki River or uphill to great views, on these short walks from the Whirinaki Recreation Camp.
PHOTO Credit: Neil Hutton ©
Difficulty: EASY | Duration: 30mins / 1 hour
Whirinaki Track
Walk through beech forest to lowland podocarp forests on this premier Whirinaki track - a multi day 25.6km tramp.
PHOTO Credit: Neil Hutton ©
Difficulty: INTERMEDIATE | Duration: 2 days
Whirinaki Waterfall Loop Track
On the Whirinaki Waterfall Loop Track (11km) you'll follow the Whirinaki River as it flows through podocarp forest.
PHOTO Credit: Neil Hutton ©
Difficulty: EASY | Duration: 3hr 30mins