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Hunterville
4.7 km
2 hours
85 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you find yourself driving through the heart of the Rangitīkei District, it’s easy to get swept up in the rolling green hills and the steady rhythm of State Highway 1. But just a short detour west of Hunterville lies a hidden gem that feels like a portal to a different era. The Sutherland Puriri Reserve is a 60-hectare sanctuary managed by Forest & Bird, and it offers one of the most authentic, "off-the-beaten-path" bush experiences in the region.
Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend leg-stretcher or a tourist wanting to see what New Zealand looked like before the arrival of the saw and the plough, this trail delivers. It’s a place where the air is thick with the scent of damp earth and Kanuka, and where the only soundtrack is the rushing of the Turakina River and the melodic call of the Tui.
Don’t let the modest 85-metre elevation gain fool you into thinking this is a simple stroll in the park. The Sutherland Puriri Reserve tracks are an invigorating, hands-on encounter with nature. The reserve features a network of three loops, allowing you to choose your own adventure based on how much time you have.
The Red Track is a quick 30-minute introductory loop, perfect for those with little ones who just want a taste of the forest. The Yellow Track extends the journey to about an hour, taking you deeper into the ancient canopy. However, for the full experience, the Blue Track is the way to go. This 4.7km circuit takes approximately two hours and represents the best of the reserve.
The terrain here is what locals fondly refer to as "goat track" style. It’s rough, uneven, and wonderfully technical. You won’t find paved paths or manicured boardwalks here; instead, you’ll be stepping over thick, exposed tree roots, ducking under low-hanging branches, and occasionally clambering over fallen logs. It’s the kind of trail that requires you to watch your feet, making it a fantastic "active" hike that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
One of the most thrilling aspects of the Blue Track is how it interacts with the Turakina River. At several points, the trail skirts right along the river’s edge. In some sections, the drop-off is quite steep, offering dramatic views of the water carving its way through the valley below. When the track turns back into the heart of the forest, the atmosphere shifts from the open, breezy riverbank to a dense, verdant embrace. Because it is an unlogged forest, the trees are massive and the undergrowth is incredibly diverse. After rain, the track can become quite muddy and slippery, so be prepared to get a bit of "real" New Zealand dirt on your boots!
Roadside parking is available approximately 50 metres from the entrance gate where the tracks begin. Just inside the gate, there is a refreshed picnic area with benches and a composting toilet for convenience.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
The Kereru is New Zealand's only native pigeon and is vital for dispersing the seeds of large-fruited native trees.
Best time: Year-round
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Loop
The absolute standout feature of the Sutherland Puriri Reserve is the fact that it is original, unlogged forest. In a region where so much land was cleared for agriculture, walking through this 60-hectare block is like stepping back in time. You’ll stand in the shadow of towering Kahikatea—New Zealand’s tallest native tree—and admire the sturdy, silver trunks of the Tawa. The vibrant green of the Mapou and the delicate leaves of the Kanuka add layers of texture that make the reserve a photographer’s dream.
Beyond the botany, the reserve is a place of deep cultural history. Keep a keen eye out along the Blue and Yellow tracks for the ancient Māori food storage pits, known as rua. These well-preserved archaeological sites offer a silent testimony to the people who lived in and managed this land long before European settlement. It’s a powerful experience to stand beside these pits, imagining the Turakina Valley as the bustling source of resources it once was.
For those who love a good picnic, the recently refreshed area at the entrance is a highlight in itself. With rustic benches nestled under the trees and a clean composting toilet, it’s the perfect spot to debrief after your hike while listening to the forest breathe.
The reserve is located in the Turakina Valley, just west of the township of Hunterville. From Hunterville, you’ll head out on Turakina Valley Road. It’s a scenic drive that takes you away from the main highway and into the quiet, pastoral heart of the Rangitīkei.
There is no dedicated car park inside the gates, but there is plenty of roadside parking available approximately 50 metres from the entrance gate. Once you’ve parked, follow the signs to the gate where the tracks begin. The picnic area and the composting toilet are located just inside the entrance, making it easy to gear up before you set off.
Because this is a Forest & Bird managed sanctuary, the birdlife is spectacular. The lack of historical logging means there are plenty of old-growth hollows and abundant fruit sources for native species.
Tip: For the best birdwatching, try to start your walk in the early morning. The "dawn chorus" in an unlogged forest like this is something every New Zealander and visitor should experience at least once.
The Sutherland Puriri Reserve is more than just a place for a walk; it’s a vital piece of the regional conservation puzzle. The Turakina River, which borders the reserve, is one of the major waterways in the region, and the forest acts as a crucial buffer, protecting the soil and providing a corridor for wildlife moving between the mountains and the sea.
The reserve was gifted by the Sutherland family to Forest & Bird, ensuring that this remnant of "Old New Zealand" remains protected forever. The presence of the rua (food pits) connects the land to the local iwi (tribes) and serves as a reminder of the Turakina Valley’s long history as a highway for Māori travellers and a garden for local settlements.
Once you’ve finished your 4.7km loop and wiped the mud off your boots, head back into Hunterville. Known as the "Huntaway Capital of the World," this quirky town is a great place to refuel.
The Sutherland Puriri Reserve offers a sense of solitude and "wildness" that is hard to find so close to a main highway. It’s a bit rough, a bit muddy, and entirely beautiful—the perfect slice of the real New Zealand bush.
Rhipidura fuliginosa
In Māori mythology, the pīwakawaka is considered a messenger, sometimes bringing news of death.
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
Best time: Spring-Autumn
Todiramphus sanctus
Known for its vibrant blue-green plumage and spectacular dive-bombing hunting technique to catch prey.
Best time: Spring-Summer
Cacatua galerita
An introduced species from Australia, easily recognised by its bright white plumage, distinctive yellow crest, and loud, screeching calls often heard in the canopy.
Best time: Year-round