Located near Rotorua, Blue Lake is popular with water skiers, swimmers and boaties. You can follow an easy walking track that circles around the lake. Location: Blue Lake is 9 km south-east of Rotorua, via Te Ngae Road then Tarawera Road.
Kaharoa and the adjoining Onaia Ecological Area are renowned for the endangered kokako. You can walk the Kokako Track through forest to a secluded spot at Onaia Stream. Location: Kaharoa Conservation Area is located 36 km north of Rotorua.
Discover treasure in these public parks featuring gentle walks and day visitor attractions plus overnight trips through historic countryside. Location: The Kaimai Heritage Trail is located in the northern Kaimai Range and the southern end of the Coromandel between Paeroa and Waihi. Kaimai Heritage Trail destinations are accessible via SH2 at Karanagahake and Waikino, and via SH26 at Te Aroha. These places feature convenient parking with short walks to see amazing things.
Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park has a number of historic mining and kauri logging sites within its boundaries. The park also features several popular tramping tracks. Location: Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park can be accessed at various points along SH2 (between Tauranga and Katikati), SH 26 (10 kilometres south of Te Aroha) or SH 29 20 kilometres from Tauranga.
The Kaituna wetland is a major legacy for future generations. Location: This wetland lies along the lower Kaituna River near Te Puke and Maketu in the Western Bay of Plenty.
The Karangahake Gorge region combines gold mining history and natural beauty, much of it accessible through a variety of walks. Location: The Karangahake Gorge is on State Highway 2 between Waihi and Paeroa, at the southern limits of the Coromandel Peninsula.
Just 22 kilometres north-east of Rotorua, Lake Okataina Scenic Reserve is home to a number of species of native birds. Location: Lake Okataina Scenic Reserve is 22 km north-east of Rotorua on Okataina Road, off State Highway 30.
Camping, picnicking and boating are all popular recreational activities at Lake Rerewhakaaitu. A significant site for wildlife, the lake supports breeding populations of dabchicks, scaup and banded dotterel. Location: Lake Rerewhakaaitu is 29 km south-east of Rotorua. For vehicle access to the lake, turn off State Highway 5 onto State Highway 38 and then onto Rerewhakaaitu Road.
Lake Rotoiti has a navigable water link with Lake Rotorua and features a number of significant historic sites. Location: Okere Falls Scenic Reserve is 21km from Rotorua on Trout Pool Road off SH 33. Hinehopu/Hongi Track is 20 km north-east of Rotorua off State Highway 30.
At Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve you can visit Tarawera Landing, The Orchard, Humphries Bay and Hot Water Beach. Location: Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve is 18 kilometres southeast of Rotorua on Tarawera Road, off Te Ngae Road.
Mokaihaha Ecological Area, in Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park, is rich in Maori history and has high conservation and scientific values. Walkers on the Mokaihaha Track can listen to the calls of tui, kereru, bellbirds and fantail. Location: Mokaihaha Ecological Area is situated on the Mamaku Plateau, 9.6 km south-east of the Mamaku township on South Rd.
At 952 metres Mount Te Aroha is the highest point in the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park. A number of tracks lead up and around this distinctive landmark and the abandoned mines and mine trails nearby. Alert: Tui Mine Track and Te Aroha Mountain Road - Temporary Closure Location: Te Aroha is located 50km northeast of Hamilton, on SH 26. Walking tracks are accessed from the domain on Whitaker Street.
Moutohora or Whale Island is a refuge for endangered birds and plants. Location: Moutohora, or Whale Island, lies nine kilometres north west off the coast near Whakatane.
This reserve has significant Maori cultural and spiritual value. It features the waterfalls of the Kaituna River and is the site of New Zealand's first hydro-electic power station. Alert: Dangerously strong currents and waterfalls. Please keep to the track. Location: Okere Falls Scenic Reserve is located 21 km from Rotorua on Trout Pool road off SH 33 (the Rotorua to Tauranga highway). Okere Falls Scenic Reserve is located on the banks of the Kaituna river draining out of Lake Rotoiti.
Orokawa Scenic Reserve contains uncommon remnants of coastal forest, pohutukawa-fringed beaches, beautiful views and picnic spots, and good rock fishing. Location: Orokawa Scenic Reserve is north of Waihi Beach, off State Highway 2 at the end of Waihi Beach Road. The track is accessed from the northern end of the beach.
Accessible by road, Otanewainuku is a great place to see original forest with giant trees and healthy bird life. A volunteer trust helps to conserve the wildlife here. Location: Otanewainuku is 15 km south from Tauranga, near Oropi in the Bay of Plenty. The summit is 640 m above sea level, and the reserve area is about 1200 hectares.
Otawa Scenic Reserve in the Papamoa Hills contains attractive lowland forest dominated by tawa and rewarewa. Location: Otawa Scenic Reserve is in the Papamoa Hills south of Te Puke.
Located 26 kilometres south-east of Rotorua, Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve contains a number of plants which are unique to geothermal areas. The popular Crater Lakes Walk is a one-hour return hike. Location: The Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve is located 26 km south east of Rotorua on State Highway 5.
At the southern end of Lake Rotorua lies Sulphur Bay, a mystifying geothermal wetland. It's an active and constantly changing landscape with sinter terraces, sulphur and silica flats, and active mud pools and steam vents. Location: Southern end of Lake Rotorua.
Experience the magic of Te Waihou, where the clear blue waters that supply 60% of New Zealand's bottled water, bubble out of the ground at a rate of 42 cubic metres (9240 gallons) per minute. Location: Located on the Waihou River, near Putaruru.
Tūhua is privately owned and landing is only allowed by permission of the Tūhua Trust Board. Opportunities to enjoy the island's unique character and wildlife must be pre-arranged. Location: Tūhua (Mayor Island) is located north of Tauranga, in the Bay of Plenty region.
Located north of Tauranga, Tuhua (Mayor Island) Marine Reserve covers about three square nautical miles and five kilometres of coastline from Tumutu Point east to Turanganui Point. Location: It covers about three square nautical miles at the northern end of the Tuhua (Mayor Island) and extends from mean high water springs mark to one nautical mile offshore. The reserve includes about five kilometres of coastline from Tumutu Point east to Turanganui Point.
The Waiorongomai Valley in Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park contains the historic site of the Piako County Tramway, New Zealand oldest tramway. You can walk in the valley through regenerating native bush. Location: The Waiorongomai Valley lies at the end of Waiorongomai Loop Road. The Valley is just four kilometres south of Te Aroha, near State Highway 26.
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