Motakiora-Brook Park

Loop

• The Historic Motakiora Pā Site: Located on the high ground within the park, this area was once a fortified 17th-century Māori Pā (village). Walking along these ridges, you can easily see why this spot was chosen for its strategic, commanding views over the valley.
• The Barry Blackman Conifer Collection: This is a true botanical treasure. Planted within the reserve is an impressive collection of approximately 300 species of conifers. It adds an unusual, global dimension to your classic New Zealand bush walk and is a fantastic photo opportunity for plant enthusiasts.
• The Trig Point Viewpoint: Pack a camera or have your phone ready. The panoramic views from the trig point offer a classic King Country vista of farmland, hills, and the bustling town below.
• Te Araroa Trail Connection: A fun claim to fame for this reserve is that it forms part of the Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand’s epic 3,000km continuous walking route. As you tread these paths, you are sharing steps with adventurous thru-hikers walking the entire length of the country!

Getting There

Finding the park is incredibly straightforward. The main entrance is located on Te Kumi Road (State Highway 3) in Te Kūiti.

A dedicated gravel carpark is conveniently situated right at the entrance, making it easy to pull off the main road and start your walk. If the main carpark happens to be full on a busy sunny weekend, there is also plenty of safe roadside parking available along Te Kumi Road.

Wildlife Spotting

The mixture of native forest, exotic pines, and mature conifers makes Motakiora-Brook Park a haven for local birdlife. As you wander through the trees, keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for these local residents:

• Fantail (pīwakawaka): These friendly, inquisitive little birds are highly common year-round. They will often flutter right up to you, using the slipstream of your footsteps to catch small insects stirred up from the path.
• Tūī: Common throughout the year, you will likely hear their boisterous, metallic chimes and whistles echoing through the canopy before you see them. Look for them feeding in the flowering trees.
• Grey Warbler (riroriro): Though they are tiny and notoriously difficult to spot in the dense foliage, their sweet, long, warbling song is a constant soundtrack to this walk.
• Kererū (New Zealand Woodpigeon): You might occasionally spot these large, heavy birds perched on sturdy branches. Keep an eye out for their distinctive white waistcoats and listen for the loud, rhythmic whoosh-whoosh of their wings as they fly between trees.
• Ruru (Morepork): If you visit the park during the quiet, dusky hours of the late afternoon or early evening, you might be lucky enough to hear the haunting, iconic "more-pork" call of our native owl.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

One of the best things about Motakiora-Brook Park is that it is truly a track for all seasons.

• Spring brings a fresh burst of bright green growth to the native ferns and the sweet scent of new blossoms.
• Summer offers a cool, shaded escape under the dense canopy of the pine plantations, making it a great option to escape the midday heat.
• Autumn is spectacular, as the changing colours of the exotic trees contrast beautifully against the evergreen native bush.
• Winter days are crisp, clear, and quiet, offering the sharpest views from the trig point across the frosty valley.

• Best time of day: Early morning is magic for hearing the bird chorus, while late afternoon provides a beautiful, golden light over Te Kūiti from the trig station.
• What to wear: While the track is rated as easy, some sections can get a bit slippery after heavy rain. We recommend wearing sturdy walking shoes or sneakers with decent grip.
• What to bring: Even though it is a short walk, always carry a bottle of water. There are no drinking water facilities along the track itself. If you are walking with your dog, don't forget to bring biodegradable waste bags to keep the trails clean for everyone.

Local & Regional Context

To fully appreciate this reserve, it helps to understand the incredible community effort that keeps it looking so beautiful. The park is managed through a wonderful partnership between the Waitomo District Council and the dedicated volunteers of the 'Friends of Brook Park' society. This passionate group of locals pours countless hours into weed control, planting native trees, and maintaining the extensive network of tracks so that visitors can enjoy a high-quality outdoor space.

Culturally, the land holds deep significance. The presence of the 17th-century Motakiora Pā connects this modern recreation reserve to centuries of Māori history. Standing at the trig, you are looking out over a landscape that has sustained communities for generations, making this walk a peaceful bridge between Te Kūiti’s past and present.

After the Walk

Once you have finished your loop and built up an appetite, you are in luck. Te Kūiti has some fantastic local eateries located just a stone's throw from the trailhead:

• Bosco Cafe (0.1km away): Located practically next door, this is a legendary local favourite. It is the perfect spot for a post-hike refuel, offering sensational coffee, loaded cabinet savouries, homemade pastries, and hearty Kiwi meals. There is plenty of free onsite parking and free Wi-Fi, making it highly convenient for hikers.
• Stoked Eatery (0.5km away): If you fancy a relaxed, unique atmosphere, head to Stoked, which is housed in a beautifully restored ex-railway station. They serve up fantastic craft beers, burgers, and fresh salads, making it a great spot to sit back and relax with friends after your walk.
• Mint Indian Restaurant (0.8km away): For those seeking something warm and highly flavourful, this spot offers exceptional, authentic Indian cuisine. It is a brilliant option if you are finishing your walk later in the afternoon and looking for a satisfying dinner.

500m away

A relaxed café, bar, and grill in an ex-railway station venue, offering a diverse menu from burgers to salads, with a friendly atmosphere suitable for hikers.