Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park
New Zealand

The North Island Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park covers and area of 37,000 ha and is one of the lesser known, or least visited, ranges in New Zealand.

The park in this range has an history spanning worlds that have been created from both nature and humans over the years resulting in an exceptionally unique natural landscape that provides a hiking trip to remember.

There a loads of well known tracks to choose from in New Zealand but if you are looking for somewhere to enjoy your trek without bumping to other walkers all through the day, this may be an ideal location for you to consider for your holiday.

There are many different types of walk you can do in this area and if you are staying in accommodation in the Bay of Plenty region, for example Tauranga, most walks are within half an hour to an hour drive away from your holiday accommodation.

I went on a one day walk up the Tuahu Track to a Kauri Grove... well, it was a leisurely walk with no particular time to be anywhere and was just right for a day out. I opted for a guided hike this time and my guide was Kea Lippiatt of Kaimai New Zealand Tours. It was an informative guided walk where Kea explained all the native plants we came across along the track, and told us the various uses and properties of the plants. People such as the Maori and settlers to NZ had made use of the native flora through history for food and medicinal purposes as well as in survival situations in the NZ bush.

The Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park is an excellent example of the native New Zealand bush of today that is being encouraged to regenerate after years of human habitation of the country and exploitation of resources. For example, the Kauri Tree that is now endangered, not only due to the excessive logging over the years, but also due to a recent spread of disease between areas where there are Kauri Trees being protected in the North Island.

The Kauri have just about survived years of being logged by humans, or abuse from vandals, and now they are under attach by a microscopic fungus-like organism called PTA (Phytophthora taxon Agathis). Scientists, now fearing for the safety of New Zealand’s iconic 1,200-year-old giant kauri tree named Tane Mahuta, in the Waipoua Forest of Northland, and are asking walkers to be aware that this is an organism carried by soil. Walkers are advised to wash their boots when entering and leaving forests, particularly if they have recently visited a forest where there may be diseased Kauri trees.

Anyway, if you ever wonder why New Zealand airports are so on the ball about checking for mud and food when you land, this is why. Animal and plant diseases often can be transported into a country through travellers from overseas. So be sympathetic in this countries efforts to deter such things from happening and if you are a frequent walker please wash your boots regularly!

The Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park in the range know as the Kaimais mark the northern limit of kamahi silver and red beech, and the limit to the growth of huge kauri trees southwards. Included in the wide range of forest bird life that can be seen on walks are the fantail, the North Island Robin, the TomTit, the native pigeon "Kereru", and the Tui. So there is plenty of flora and fauna to be seen while hiking in this region.

Access to the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park is available at several points in the region from Tauranga to Katikati, and south of Te Aroha. Plenty of locations to choose from in this region to use as a base for your hiking experiences.

If you want some information on other walks in New Zealand please visit my pages on the "Great Walks" and "New Zealand Walks". Explore the back country by walking, hiking, or trekking (or tramping in New Zealand) the mountains in the North Island or South Island... and stroll along deserted beaches. I've also included guides to recommended clothing and equipment on those pages that will be useful for you.