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Pureora Forest Park
16.5 km
8 hours
351 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a true wilderness escape that gets you off the beaten track and deep into the primeval heart of the North Island, the Arataki Track in Pureora Forest Park is calling your name. This is not your average Sunday stroll; it is a challenging, immersive journey designed for experienced trampers who want to trade city noise for the whispering canopy of one of New Zealand's most historic and ecologically significant native forests.
Spanning 16.5 kilometres return, this demanding eight-hour day hike offers a profound sense of solitude, rugged terrain, and a chance to walk among living giants. Grab your boots, pack your wet-weather gear, and let’s dive into what makes this hike an absolute must-do for seasoned adventurers.
The adventure begins at the Arataki Road end car park, where you are immediately swallowed by the lush, dense canopy of the Pureora forest. Right from the get-go, the trail makes its wild intentions clear. Within the first section of the walk, you will encounter one of the absolute highlights: a spectacular, high-wire suspension bridge swinging over the rushing Mangakino Stream. Crossing this bridge is a thrilling, heart-in-mouth experience that offers stunning views down into the rocky stream bed and sets the tone for the wilderness ahead.
Once across, the trail begins to snake alongside the tranquil Arataki Stream. The terrain here is classic New Zealand tramping territory—expect a muddy, undulating path crisscrossed with slick tree roots, mossy logs, and sudden, short climbs. Because this is classified as an Advanced tramping track, there are no manicured gravel pathways here. You will need to keep your wits about you, watching your footing as the track slowly climbs a total of 351 metres in elevation.
As you head deeper into the forest, the regenerating native bush of the outer edges gives way to magnificent, ancient old-growth forest. The trail winds its way toward the base of the mighty Mt Titiraupenga, a dramatic volcanic peak that dominates the local skyline. The track officially terminates at the junction of Titiraupenga Road and YMCA Road. If you are a glutton for punishment and have planned an overnight epic, you can connect to the wider trail network here, including the steep climb up the Mt Titiraupenga Track. Otherwise, find a comfortable mossy log, enjoy a well-deserved lunch, and prepare for the 8.25-kilometre return journey back the way you came.
The track starts at the Arataki Road end carpark off SH32 (Tihoi Road). Alternatively, access is also possible from the Titiraupenga Road and YMCA Road ends.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Petroica longipes
Friendly forest bird that often approaches walkers. Found in native bush reserves across the North Island.
Best time: Year-round
Nestor meridionalis
Large forest parrot found in native bush. Loud and social, increasingly common in predator-controlled sanctuaries.
Best time: Year-round
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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.
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.
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.
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 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:
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Callaeas cinereus wilsoni
The kōkako is famous for its haunting, organ-like song, often heard as a duet through the forest.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round