Pureora Forest
Introduction
Do visit the Pureora Forest Park (78,000 ha) which straddles the Hauhungaroa and Rangitoto Ranges, between Lake Taupo and Te Kuiti. It is a hidden wonderland of tall trees, clear rivers and rare wildlife; little known yet easily accessible if you are prepared to make a short diversion off State Highway 30 or 32.
Department of Conservation
The Park is administered by the Department of Conservation to safeguard its natural and Historic features and to provide for the enjoyment of visitors.
Since 1995, intensive efforts at forest restoration, in locations such as the Waipapa Ecological Area, have ensured breeding success and protection of many native species.
The Buried Forest
800 years ago a forest was knocked over, buried and preserved by a violent volcanic eruption, whose remains now form Lake Taupo. This remarkable buried forest was brought to light in 1983 when it was accidentally uncovered by a digger. Today the uncovered logs lie as they fell during the volcanic eruption.
The Bird Tower
This 12 metre high tower is a 10 minute walk from Bismark Rd car park. It gives you an entirely different perspective of life up in the forest canopy. It is a good spot for observing native birds such as kuku (native pigeon), kakariki (parakeets), and kaka (forest parrot).
Totara Walk
The Totara Walk on Barryville Road takes visitors on an easy 30 minute stroll through beautiful Totara and native trees. The dawn chorus of the native birds there is quite spectacular.
Plants and Animals
Pureora’s forests grow on pumice and ash derived soils. These forests, the last remnants of extensive prodocarp forests that once covered most of the central North Island, contrast sharply with adjacent farmlands and exotic forestry. Pureora also contains nationally-important wetlands and shrub lands. The wetlands are some of the least modified in the North Island and still host rare plants like the stout water milfoil and water brome. Manu of the shrub lands are known as frost flats, and are home to endangered plants like Turner’s kohuhu and Primelea tomentoso. The forest itself has parasitic species such as Dactylanthus taylorii (on tree roots) and endemic mistletoe in the canopy.
There is abundant birdlife in the Park. More commonly seen forest birds include kuku (kereru/native pigeon), piwaiwaka (fantail), tui, popokatea (white-head), tauhou (wax-eye), kaka and toutouwai (North Island robin). There are also populations of the rarer karearea (New Zealand falcon) and whio (blue duck). One of the largest remaining populations of the rare North Island kokako is also found in the park. Both species of native bats (long-tailed and short-tailed) and Hochstetters frog are also present.
Treetop Protest Sites
One of New Zealand’s most significant conservation battles took place at Pureora in 1978. Protesters occupied platforms built in the treetops and their actions lead to a government-imposed logging moratorium and, eventually, the end of native forest logging in the Park. Access to the protest site is a 10 minute walk along a track starting at the Forest tower. Further information on the protest can be found in the Field Centre.
Old Machinery
Visitors can still view the remains of old forestry machinery discarded by contractors whilst native milling was underway at Pureora.
Pureora Mountain walk
The gentle slopes of Mount Pureora makes for an easy walk to the summit to take in the spectacular views accross to lake Taupo, Mount Taranaki, Ruapehu, Tongariro and others
Pouakani Totara Tree
The largest recorded Totara tree in New Zealand is located on private land near the Park (Wairarapa Moana Incorporation reserve) on SH30 approximately 10 minutes drive east of the Field Centre. It will take you 20 minutes to walk from the car park to the tree.
Photo Gallery
Go to the photo gallery to view photos of the Pureora Forest Park and amenities
