3186 Mokaihaha, Dansey Road Reserve and Mt Ngongotaha

This trip comprises three short walks in the Mamaku–Rotorua district. Passing Mamaku village we reach the Mokaihaha Ecological Area for a 1.5 hr walk in tall, unlogged podocarp forest. The track leads us past the small, ephemeral Lake Rotohokakoha. In this forest pest control is undertaken by volunteers and DOC. Not surprising it is home to kōkako and kākā, kererū, kārearea (falcon), kākāriki (yellow-crowned parakeet) and pōpokotea (whitehead) along with the more common native bush birds. A census of kōkako undertaken in May 2022 recorded 71 pairs and 10 territorial singles.

 Next stop is Dansey Road Scenic Reserve where we do a short forest walk beneath the zipline run by Rotorua Canopy Tours.

The final walk is up Mt Ngongotaha for views over Rotorua. The first part of the track follows an easy grade through unlogged native bush which features a large rata tree (40 m tall with a 1.8 m girth) with a viewing platform. It continues on the Mt Ngongotaha Nature Loop Track. Once the Jubilee Track is reached the walk becomes moderately steep until near the summit. 2.4 km return.

And here we are close to the food and drink outlets of the city!