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Gordonton, Hamilton
3.4 km
1 hour 30 minutes
130 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
Welcome to one of the Waikato's best-kept secrets! Tucked away just north of Hamilton near the lovely village of Gordonton, the Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve Loop Track is a fantastic slice of native paradise. If you're looking for a short but rewarding day walk that serves up sweeping views, ancient forest giants, and a healthy dose of fresh air, this 3.4-kilometre loop has your name on it. Taking about 1.5 hours to complete, it offers a moderate challenge that is incredibly rewarding for locals and tourists alike.
Let's lace up those boots and get exploring. Your journey begins at the small carpark just off Tauhei Road. Before you set foot on the dirt, you'll encounter a kauri dieback cleaning station. Please take a moment to thoroughly scrub and spray your footwear—it’s a small but vital step to protect our precious, vulnerable kauri trees.
Once your boots are clean, you can choose your own adventure. Because this is a loop track, you can head either left or right. Choosing to go right is a popular option; it guides you through a gentler, flatter section first, passing a lovely grassy clearing with a picnic area before the real climbing begins.
And yes, there is some climbing to do! The ascent to the summit is the absolute highlight of the walk, featuring a short, sharp climb. While there are well-constructed boardwalks and steps to help you conquer the 130-metre elevation gain, the clay-based track can get incredibly slippery and muddy, especially after a typical Kiwi downpour. You'll need to navigate exposed tree roots, gravel, and a few moderate technical sections. Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are highly recommended to keep you upright.
This walk is highly kid-friendly, making it a brilliant weekend mission for active families. However, please leave your furry friends at home, as dogs are strictly not allowed in the reserve to protect the vulnerable native wildlife.
The absolute jewel in the crown of this hike is the Pukemokemoke summit. Standing 166 metres above sea level, the wooden lookout platform treats you to breathtaking, 360-degree panoramic views across the expansive, patchwork plains of the Waikato Basin. On a crisp, clear day, the horizon opens up beautifully—keep an eye out for the distinctive peaks of Mt Te Aroha, Mt Pirongia, and the rugged Hakarimata Ranges. Handy informative panels on the platform help you identify the landmarks and understand the fascinating geography of the land below.
A small carpark is available at the trailhead, located at the end of a right-of-way off 1382 Tauhei Road. Parking is free and can accommodate approximately 10-15 cars.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
2.5km away
Located within the beautiful Woodlands Estate, this cafe offers a picturesque setting with good food and excellent coffee, away from the city's hustle. It's a popular spot for post-hike refreshments and features lovely gardens. [cite: 3 (from previous search output), 4 (from previous search output), 8 (from previous search output)]
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Loop
Another standout feature is the historic log hauler site. Located in a spacious clearing as you make your descent on the loop, it’s a wonderful, sheltered spot to pause, enjoy a family picnic, and reflect on the area's logging history and subsequent conservation journey.
Of course, the forest itself is a highlight. This 40-hectare reserve is a thriving remnant of lowland forest, boasting over 300 species of native plants. Look out for towering matai, kahikatea, rimu, and tōtara, as well as a precious, regenerating grove of young kauri trees.
Finding this hidden gem is easy. The Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve is located in Gordonton, roughly 30 kilometres (about a 25-minute drive) north of Hamilton.
To get there from Hamilton, head north towards Gordonton and turn onto Tauhei Road. The entrance to the reserve is located down a right-of-way driveway at 1382 Tauhei Road. Follow the driveway to the end, where you'll find a small, free carpark that accommodates about 10 to 15 cars. Because space is limited, arriving a little earlier in the day is always a smart move, especially on sunny weekends.
Pukemokemoke is a peaceful haven for native birdlife, thanks to intensive pest-control efforts and forest restoration. As you walk beneath the lush canopy, keep your ears open and your eyes peeled.
The melodic, chiming call of the tūī and the soft, heavy swoosh of the kererū (New Zealand wood pigeon) are common soundtracks here year-round. You'll also likely be closely chaperoned by friendly pīwakawaka (fantails), flitting about the track to catch the tiny insects kicked up by your footsteps.
If you are quiet and keep a sharp lookout, you might also spot or hear the occasional riroriro (grey warbler) with its delicate, looping song, the tiny miromiro (North Island tomtit), or the beautiful, liquid tones of the korimako (bellbird). Early morning is the absolute best time for birdwatching, as the forest truly comes alive with the dawn chorus.
What to bring: Even though it’s a relatively short walk, the terrain is proper bush track. Sturdy footwear with good grip is essential. Pack a bottle of water, a few snacks to enjoy at the summit lookout, and a camera. If you're walking in winter, a light rain jacket and a walking pole can be lifesavers on the slippery clay slopes.
Weather considerations: The track is relatively sheltered under the dense forest canopy, but the summit lookout is completely exposed. If a cold wind is blowing, you'll definitely want a windbreaker or warm layer ready in your pack so you can enjoy the views in comfort.
This beautiful sanctuary isn't just a scenic spot; it holds deep cultural and historical significance. The land is traditionally significant to local iwi (tribes), including Ngāti Koura and Ngāti Wairere, who have long-standing spiritual and ancestral connections to this maunga (mountain) and the surrounding lands.
In more recent history, the area was heavily logged for its valuable timber. The reserve we enjoy today is a testament to incredible community foresight and dedication. It is lovingly administered and restored by the David Johnstone Pukemokemoke Bush Trust. Thanks to their tireless planting, weeding, and pest-control efforts, this precious ecosystem is thriving once again, allowing us to walk through a living museum of what the Waikato Basin looked like before European settlement.
No good Kiwi hike is complete without a post-walk treat! Luckily, you have two fantastic local cafes just down the road to choose from:
Petroica macrocephala toitoi
A small, territorial bird with males featuring a distinctive black and white plumage, found throughout the North Island's forests.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
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
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
4km away
A popular cafe known for its exceptional coffee, diverse menu with gluten-free options, and a cozy, dog-friendly atmosphere with outdoor seating. It's a great choice for a satisfying meal or snack. [cite: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (all from previous search outputs)]