Te Araroa Trail (Waikato Section - Southern Exit near Tongariro)

Point to point

Getting There

This is a point-to-point trail, so you will need to coordinate transport or a shuttle at either end.

The southern terminus of this section finishes at Bennett Road, located near the quiet township of Ongarue. At the Bennett Road end, you will find a purpose-built campsite designed specifically for Te Araroa walkers. It features ample, secure parking, a sheltered cooking/rest area, and clean toilet facilities.

To get to the southern exit from Taumarunui, head north on State Highway 4, turn onto Ongarue Waimiha Road, and follow the signs toward Bennett Road. Many hikers choose to book one of the local shuttle services operating out of Ongarue or Taumarunui to drop them at the northern start of the forest so they can walk back to their vehicle parked at Bennett Road.

Wildlife Spotting

Pureora Forest Park is a crucial conservation sanctuary, and the birdlife here is nothing short of legendary. Because the forest was saved from complete logging, it remains a stronghold for some of New Zealand’s rarest avian species.

Keep your ears open for the haunting, organ-like song of the rare North Island Kōkako. These blue-grey birds with distinctive blue wattles are highly endangered but find a safe haven in the deep Pureora canopy. You are also highly likely to hear the loud, raucous screech of the Kākā (our large native forest parrot) and spot the bright green flashes of the Kākāriki darting through the treetops.

Down on the forest floor, the incredibly friendly North Island Robin (Toutouwai) will likely hop right up to your boots, hoping your footsteps stir up delicious insects from the leaf litter. Overhead, the acrobatic Fantail (Pīwakawaka) will follow you, performing aerial loops to catch the bugs you wake up as you walk. If you are exceptionally lucky, keep an eye on the fast-flowing, clean forest rivers for the rare Whio (blue duck), recognizable by their unique whistling call and slate-blue plumage.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Best Seasons: This trail is open and accessible year-round. Summer offers the most reliable weather, warm temperatures, and dry tracks. However, Autumn brings crisp, clear mornings and stunning golden light, while Spring treats you to a forest bursting with fresh green growth and active birdlife. Winter is incredibly atmospheric, but you must be prepared for freezing temperatures, frost, and occasional snow on the higher ridges.
• Best Time to Start: Aim to be on the trail early each morning (by 7:30 AM). Not only does this give you plenty of daylight to reach your next campsite, but early morning is when the forest is most magical, filled with the incredible sound of the dawn chorus.
• What to Bring: You must be fully self-sufficient. Pack a reliable tent, a warm sleeping bag, a multi-day cooker, and enough food for five days. Water is available at campsites but should be treated or boiled.
• Weather and Gear: Even in summer, the weather in this sub-alpine forest can change rapidly. Pack high-quality wet weather gear, thermal base layers, and sturdy, broken-in hiking boots to handle the muddy sections and the 1000-metre elevation gain. A personal locator beacon (PLB) is highly recommended as mobile reception is patchy at best.

Local & Regional Context

The Pureora Forest holds deep cultural significance for local iwi (Māori tribes), who have lived in harmony with these lands for generations, utilizing the forest for food, medicine, and building materials.

In the mid-20th century, the area became a bustling hub for the timber industry, with villages popping up to support the logging of giant native trees. However, by the late 1970s, Pureora became the battleground for one of New Zealand’s most famous environmental campaigns. Tree-sitting protesters blocked the chainsaws by camping high in the branches of the ancient tōtara trees. This fierce public activism successfully halted the logging of native forests here, leading to the creation of the protected Pureora Forest Park in 1978. Walking this trail today is a walk through a living monument to conservation victory.

After the Walk

After five days of eating dehydrated meals, you will be craving some real Kiwi hospitality.

Head into the nearby town of Taumarunui (about a 20-minute drive from the Bennett Road exit) to refuel. For an incredible coffee and a cabinet stocked with legendary homemade pies, sausage rolls, and sweet treats, head straight to Twin Rivers Cafe. If you are looking to celebrate your 85km achievement with a hearty pub meal and a ice-cold craft beer in a wonderfully historic setting, pull up a chair at the Lairdvale Country House or visit one of the local family-run taverns in the main street. There is nothing quite like swapping stories of the trail over a hot meal!