Favourite destinations in the Tauranga area include Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park and Tuhua/Mayor Island Marine Reserve. View the Kaimai to coast brochure (PDF, 1,497K).
Discover treasure in these public parks featuring gentle walks and day visitor attractions plus overnight trips through historic countryside.Location: The Kaimai Heritage Trail is located in the northern Kaimai Range and the southern end of the Coromandel between Paeroa and Waihi. Kaimai Heritage Trail destinations are accessible via SH2 at Karanagahake and Waikino, and via SH26 at Te Aroha. These places feature convenient parking with short walks to see amazing things.
Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park has a number of historic mining and kauri logging sites within its boundaries. The park also features several popular tramping tracks.Location: Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park can be accessed at various points along SH2 (between Tauranga and Katikati), SH 26 (10 kilometres south of Te Aroha) or SH 29 20 kilometres from Tauranga.
The Kaituna wetland is a major legacy for future generations. Location: This wetland lies along the lower Kaituna River near Te Puke and Maketu in the Western Bay of Plenty.
The Karangahake Gorge region combines gold mining history and natural beauty, much of it accessible through a variety of walks.Location: The Karangahake Gorge is on State Highway 2 between Waihi and Paeroa, at the southern limits of the Coromandel Peninsula.
At 952 metres Mount Te Aroha is the highest point in the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park. A number of tracks lead up and around this distinctive landmark and the abandoned mines and mine trails nearby.Alert: Tui Mine Track and Te Aroha Mountain Road – temporary closureLocation: Te Aroha is located 50km northeast of Hamilton, on SH 26. Walking tracks are accessed from the domain on Whitaker Street.
Orokawa Scenic Reserve contains uncommon remnants of coastal forest, pohutukawa-fringed beaches, beautiful views and picnic spots, and good rock fishing.Alert: Some tracks closedLocation: Orokawa Scenic Reserve is north of Waihi Beach, off State Highway 2 at the end of Waihi Beach Road. The track is accessed from the northern end of the beach.
Accessible by road, Otanewainuku is a great place to see original forest with giant trees and healthy bird life. A volunteer trust helps to conserve the wildlife here.Location: Otanewainuku is 15 km south from Tauranga, near Oropi in the Bay of Plenty. The summit is 640 m above sea level, and the reserve area is about 1200 hectares.
Otawa Scenic Reserve in the Papamoa Hills contains attractive lowland forest dominated by tawa and rewarewa.Location: Otawa Scenic Reserve is in the Papamoa Hills south of Te Puke.
Tūhua is privately owned and landing is only allowed by permission of the Tūhua Trust Board. Opportunities to enjoy the island's unique character and wildlife must be pre-arranged.Location: Tūhua (Mayor Island) is located north of Tauranga, in the Bay of Plenty region.
Located offshore north of Tauranga, Tuhua (Mayor Island) Marine Reserve covers about three square nautical miles and five kilometres of coastline from Tumutu Point east to Turanganui Point. Location: Tuhua is 35 kilometres offshore north of Tauranga. The marine reserve covers about three square nautical miles at the northern end of the island and extends from mean high water springs mark to one nautical mile offshore. The reserve includes about five kilometres of coastline from Tumutu Point east to Turanganui Point.
The Waiorongomai Valley in Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park contains the historic site of the Piako County Tramway, New Zealand oldest tramway. You can walk in the valley through regenerating native bush. Location: The Waiorongomai Valley lies at the end of Waiorongomai Loop Road. The Valley is just four kilometres south of Te Aroha, near State Highway 26.
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