Arataki Track (Pureora Forest Park)

Out and back

Due to the remote location, rugged underfoot conditions, and the sheer length of the journey, this track is not kid-friendly. It is also located in a sensitive ecological zone, meaning dogs are strictly prohibited to protect the precious local wildlife.

Highlights & Must-See Features

• The Mangakino Stream Suspension Bridge: Located near the start of the walk, this bridge is a photographer's dream. Suspended high above the water, it offers a dramatic vantage point of the emerald-green stream cutting through the dense bush.
• Ancient Podocarp Giants: Pureora is world-famous for its massive, ancient trees. Along the trail, you will walk beneath towering rimu, mataī, miro, and giant kahikatea (white pine) that have stood for hundreds of years.
• The Serenity of Arataki Stream: The gentle murmur of the stream is your constant companion for a large portion of the walk, providing a peaceful, meditative soundtrack to your journey.
• Connection to Mt Titiraupenga: Seeing the dramatic, forested slopes of this sacred maunga (mountain) rise up ahead of you is a powerful sight that connects you to the volcanic spine of the North Island.

Getting There

The primary trailhead is located at the Arataki Road end car park, just off State Highway 32 (also known as Tihoi Road). It is a relatively remote spot, roughly a 45-minute drive from Tokoroa or an hour’s drive from Taupō.

The access roads can be gravelly and narrow, so take your time and drive to the conditions. If you are planning a one-way traverse or are coordinating a key-swap with other hikers, the track can also be accessed from the Titiraupenga Road and YMCA Road ends on the western side of the forest park. There are no flush toilets or rubbish bins at the trailheads, so ensure you pack out whatever you pack in.

Wildlife Spotting

Pureora Forest Park is a crucial sanctuary for some of New Zealand’s rarest avian residents. Because this forest was saved from logging, it remains a stronghold for ancient bird species that have struggled elsewhere.

Keep your eyes peeled and your ears tuned for the haunting, organ-like song of the rare North Island kōkako. These slate-grey birds with striking blue wattles are incredibly elusive, but if you are quiet, you might spot them leaping through the high canopy.

Much easier to spot are the friendly toutouwai (North Island robins). These cheeky little birds are highly inquisitive and will often flutter down to the forest floor right at your feet, hoping your boots have kicked up some delicious grubs from the leaf litter.

You will also likely hear the heavy, rhythmic whoosh-whoosh of the kererū (native wood pigeon) flying overhead, and the boisterous, metallic calls of the tūī. Keep an eye out for the cheeky pīwakawaka (fantail) dancing along the path beside you, and if you are lucky, you might hear the harsh, screeching call of the kākā (forest parrot) echoing through the treetops.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Spring: The forest floor comes alive with fresh green shoots and ferns, and the birdlife is incredibly active and vocal.
• Summer: Offers the driest track conditions, making the mud much more manageable, though you should still expect wet patches in the deeper valleys.
• Autumn: Bring your camera for crisp, clear days where the low golden light filters beautifully through the giant canopy.
• Winter: The air is incredibly cold and crisp, and mist often hangs low in the valleys, creating a beautifully moody, primeval atmosphere.

• Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof tramping boots with excellent grip are non-negotiable. Gaiters are highly recommended to keep the mud out of your socks.
• Clothing: Pack warm thermals, a fleece, and a high-quality windproof and waterproof jacket. Pureora can experience sudden temperature drops and heavy downpours at any time of year.
• Food & Water: Carry at least 2 to 3 litres of water and plenty of high-energy snacks. There are no treated water sources along the route.
• Navigation: Cellphone reception is highly unreliable. Carry a physical map, a compass, or a downloaded offline GPS route, and consider packing a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
• Start Time: Aim to hit the trail no later than 8:00 AM during winter, or 9:00 AM in summer, to ensure you are safely out of the bush well before darkness falls.

Local & Regional Context

To walk the Arataki Track is to walk through the battleground of New Zealand’s modern conservation movement. In the late 1970s, Pureora was the site of historic, high-profile protests. Environmentalists climbed high into the ancient treetops, building platforms and refusing to leave in order to block the chainsaws of native timber loggers.

Their bravery paid off. The protests captured the nation's attention, leading to a complete halt to native logging in the area and the official establishment of Pureora Forest Park in 1978. Today, it stands as one of the largest remaining tracts of untouched, ancient podocarp forest in the North Island.

For local Māori, this land holds deep spiritual significance. Mt Titiraupenga, which the track approaches, is an ancestral maunga (mountain) for the local iwi (tribes). It is regarded as a geological sentinel and a place of immense cultural heritage, representing the physical and spiritual heart of the island.

After the Walk

After eight hours of conquering mud, roots, and steep climbs, you will have earned a massive feed. Because Pureora is beautifully remote, you will need to drive a short distance to refuel, but there are some classic options nearby:

• The Tihoi Tavern: Located on SH32 just a short drive south from the Arataki Road turn-off. This legendary, rustic country pub is the ultimate post-hike destination. Pull up a chair by the open fire, order a cold pint of local beer, and tuck into a massive plate of hot chips, a hearty burger, or a classic pub steak. The walls are adorned with local hunting memorabilia, offering a true Kiwi country experience.
• Whakamaru Dam Cafe: If you are heading back north toward Tokoroa or Waikato, stop off at this lakeside gem in Whakamaru. It is highly popular with cyclists and hikers alike, offering fantastic barista coffee, massive cabinet savoury pies, and delicious sweet treats to restore your sugar levels.