If shorebirds are your interest, this is definitely the place to be, especially around October when Arctic migrants arrive after an arduous 10,000 km journey. Location: Situated between Kaiaua and Miranda.
The Hakarimata Scenic Reserve near Ngaruawahia is a great place to see kauri, especially the large kauri on the Kauri Loop Track. Location: Located near Ngaruawahia, 10 km from Hamilton.
Mapara Wildlife Reserve (1400 ha) has been the focus of an intensive and successful kokako recovery project. You can hear and sometimes see kokako from a moderately graded tramping track. Location: Mapara lies 35 km southwest of Te Kuiti, along Mapara South Road.
Walk through native forest and visit Gudex Memorial Park in the Maungakawa Scenic Reserve. Location: Maungakawa Scenic Reserve is 9 km and approximately 15 minutes drive from Cambridge.
Explore Mt Karioi, Mt Pirongia or the Kaniwhaniwha Caves in Pirongia Forest Park. Location: Pirongia Forest Park is 25km from Hamilton city.
Pureora Forest Park straddles the Hauhungaroa and Rangitoto ranges west of Lake Taupo and east of Te Kuiti. Location: Pureora Forest Park lies between Te Kuiti, Taumaranui and Lake Taupo and is easily accessed by SH 30 and SH 32.
Ruakuri Reserve encompasses 114 ha of native bush and limestone formations. The reserve is only 2 km from the Waitomo glowworm cave. Alert: Slips on track and BBQ out of use Location: It is 2 km from the world-renowned Waitomo glowworm cave and 17 km from the King Country town of Te Kuiti.
This is a shallow ephemeral wetland in a completely natural setting surrounded by swamp forest. 'Magical' is the only word to describe the lagoon when you see the tall trees reflected in the water. Location: Located west of Taupo.
Find out about visiting wetlands in the Waikato. Location: Throughout the Waikato area.
This 7000 ha mosaic of floodplains and peat domes around the Whangamarino and Maramarua Rivers makes up the internationally recognised Whangamarino Wetland. Location: This large wetland can be accessed via Mercer, Meremere or Te Kauwhata.
Visit the Whareorino Conservation Area - the largest, and one of the most valuable, forested areas in the western King Country. Location: Whareorino Conservation Area lies 30 km southwest of Te Kuiti. It is dominated by the Herangi Range, of which Maungamangero (810 m) is the highest point, but gets its name from Whareorino Peak, which is located on private land.
NZ weather
New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres
Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.
Have your say on conservation in your community
Follow the Outdoor Safety Code: 1. Plan your trip 2. Tell someone 3. Be aware of the weather 4. Know your limits 5. Take sufficient supplies
There are no credit card or eftpos facilities at the Conservancy Office.
Safety
Contacts