3205 - Otanewainuku Forest

Trip 3205 - Otanewainuku Forest - 19th October 

Mnt Otanewainuku loop to Lookout and Otanewainuku Rimu loop track

Time 1.5 return - Easy to intermediate

These tracks are situated in the Otanewainuku Forest – south of Tauranga and Te Puke.

The loop track to the summit starts behind the shelter and is reasonably steep in parts, but the view from the top is worth the climb. Amazing fungi, old Kauri and other trees. Heaps of birds - Robin, Tui, Silver eye, Kereru and Tomtit.

The lookout tower constructed on the summit (640 metres) offers panoramic views from East Cape to Mount Tarawera and Rotorua, and across the Mamaku Plateau to Mount Ruapehu.

Then return via loop to the Otanewainuku loop lookout track to carpark -

Otanewainuku Rimu loop

Time 1.5 return - Easy to intermediate

Walk among large Rimu trees in Otanewainuku Forest. We can also take a side trip to Whataroa Falls, a popular swimming hole and picnic spot.

This gently graded walk with some impressively large rimu trees is suitable for walking children - it's not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

Side trip - Whataroa Falls

Time: 2hrs return

For the slightly more agile a well-marked route branches off the Rimu Loop Walk after 15 minutes and undulates through the forest to the Whataroa Falls. The waterfall is a popular swimming hole and picnic spot. Explore this lovely stream with cascades and pools before returning the same way to complete the other half of the loop.

Please note: -

The first part is to the Otanewainuku lookout - 1.5 hrs return - reasonable and steep at places, 

2nd part is the Rimu loop - 1.5hrs return - easy but can be slippery 

3rd part is side track to the waterfalls 60min one way - Moderate