Puketi & Omahuta forests
Introduction
Puketi and Omahuta form one of the largest remaining continuous tracks of native forests in Northland. The forest type is a diverse mixture of hardwoods, podocarps and kauri. Many of the kauri stands have been logged or bled for gum in the past. The area is still a treasure house for native plants and animals, and includes populations of kiwi, kokako, kaka and lesser short-tailed bats.
Location
Puketi and Omahuta forests are easily accessible from the Hokianga Harbour and the Bay of Islands.
Getting there
You can get there from State Highway 1 or the network of secondary roads, which skirt the forests. You best get to Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary from State Highway One. The turn-off is signposted a few kilometres south of Mangamuka Bridge. The Puketi Recreation area is located on Puketi Road.
Activities
Hunting
Mountain biking
The forests provide a range of walking, tramping and camping opportunities.
The old logging roads within the forests are suitable for adventurous mountain biking. Biking is permitted on the Pirau Ridge Road and Mokau Ridge Road but none of the other DOC administered tracks in the Puketi and Omahuta Forest.
Permits for hunting goats and pigs are available from DOC offices.
Tracks and walks
In the Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary you’ll be able to take the Kauri Stump Walk to see the remains of one of the largest kauri trees ever felled.
The short Manginangina Kauri Walk follows a boardwalk that winds through a mature stand of kauri and swamp forest. It’s a track that is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
The giant kauri in the Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary were protected from logging in 1951. This short loop track leads you through a stand of mature kauri.
Tramping tracks for experienced trampers with good route-finding abilities. Both these routes descend to the Waipapa River.
The Pirau Ridge Track in Puketi Forest is an easy 11-km walking track. The old logging road provides walking and mountain biking opportunities.
Trampers interested in taking the Pukatea Ridge Route in the Puketi Forest should have a high degree of skill and experience, as well as route-finding abilities. The route connects with the Waipapa River Track.
The Pukekohe Stream Track offers visitors the opportunity to view a regenerating kauri forest. A side track leads to an unusual stand of kauri and hard beech.
You can access the Puketi Nature Trail from the Puketi Recreation area. The loop track winds through a beautiful kauri forest.
Take the Waihoanga Gorge Kauri Walk and discover the Pirau Waterfall. The track makes its way through a range of forest species including puriri, taraire, nikau and virgin kauri trees.
The Waipapa River Track is a scenic two-day tramp that follows the Waipapa River through the heart of Puketi Forest. The tramp is only recommended for experienced and well-equipped trampers.
Walnut Track in the Puketi Forest is a steep ridge track through beautiful kauri forest. The track is recommended for experienced and well-equipped trampers.
Places to stay
This is a standard campsite in the Bay of Islands area.
Puketi cabins are nestled in a forest alive with the calls of native birds. There are good short walks in the area and mountain biking opportunities on former logging roads. A large grass area in front of the cabins is ideal for group activities.
Set in the Puketi Recreation area of the Puketi-Omahuta Forest, one of the largest continuous tracts of native forest in Northland. You need to book this hut.
Plan and prepare
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Leaving vehicles at road ends over night is not advisable due to the risk of theft.
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Please drive carefully on Omahuta Sanctuary Road – it is very narrow in places.
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For longer tramps NZMS 260, 1:50,000 topographical maps are essential.
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No dogs due to risks to wildlife.
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