Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park

Straddling the spine of the North Island between the Bay of Plenty and Waikato, Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park is a wild, misty expanse of native bush, volcanic peaks, and plunging waterfalls. This is New Zealand at its most untamed – think moss-carpeted trails, the chatter of bellbirds, and sudden views across the patchwork plains to the coast. For travellers seeking solitude and a genuine forest immersion, it's a refreshing counterpoint to the region's more famous beaches and thermal attractions.

Highlights & What to See

• Te Rere o Kakahi (Okataina Falls) – A short, enchanting walk leads to a 30-metre waterfall cascading through a narrow rock chasm; best after rain.
• Kaimai Summit Track – The classic tramp along the main range, offering sweeping views from Mount Te Aroha to the Bay of Plenty coast. Allow a full day for a return hike.
• Waitawheta River Track – Follow an old logging tramway through kauri groves and past relics of the gold-mining era; great for a half-day walk or mountain-bike ride.
• Mount Te Aroha – The park's highest point (952 m) rewards with a 360-degree panorama; the summit track is steep but doable as a day walk from the Te Aroha township side.
• Mangakino Pack Track – A historic route through podocarp forest with boardwalks over wetlands – perfect for birdwatching (look for robins and whiteheads).

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors enjoy the park on a day trip from Tauranga or Rotorua – a morning hike to a waterfall or summit followed by a picnic lunch. For deeper exploration, overnight tramping is rewarding: the Kaimai-Mamaku crossing (2–3 days) connects the Bay of Plenty and Waikato sides, with basic huts and campsites. If you're short on time, pick one short walk (like Okataina Falls) and combine it with a scenic drive through the park's winding roads.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Rotorua – Geothermal wonders, Māori culture, and the Redwoods Forest are just an hour's drive south.
• Tauranga – Base yourself in this sunny harbour city for cafés, the Mount Maunganui beach, and easy access to the park's northern trails.
• Mount Maunganui – Iconic surf beach and the climb up Mauao (the Mount) for coastal views – a perfect post-hike reward.
• Whakatane – Gateway to White Island (Whakaari) and the Eastern Bay of Plenty; combine with the park's southern walks.

Please check official sources for current details.