Kaimanawa Forest Hikes & Walks
Walks in the Kaimanawa Forest
Kaimanawa Road
The following short walks lie south of Turangi in Kaimanawa Forest Park. Drive 15km down the Desert Road (SH 1) to Kaimanawa Road. Further to the south, off SH 1, the Tree Trunk Gorge Road also provides access to some of these walks. For more information ask at information centres for a Kaimanawa Forest Park pamphlet or map.
Kiko Road Walking Track
Time: 1 to 1.5 hours, loop track
Drive 10 km north of Turangi on SH 1. Turn right into Kiko Road and continue for another 17 km to the Kaimanawa Forest Park carpark. Do not deviate from the main Kiko Road into the adjacent privately owned pine forest.
Pillars of Hercules Walk
Time: 10 minutes, return via same track
Begins at the end of a short access road, signposted off Kaimanawa Road about 2km from SH 1. A short walk brings you to the gorge known as the Pillars of Hercules. Take care on the steep steps at the beginning of the walk. This deep gorge was formed as the river eroded a narrow channel through ancient lava flows (350,000 years and older) of andesite and ignimbrite rock. It looks even more spectacular from the air as the Tongariro River can be seen to suddenly narrow as it passes through this chasm.
Urchin Camp - Pillars of Hercules Walking Track
Time: 1 hour, return via same track or along the road
Begins from the Urchin Camping Area 3km along Kaimanawa Road or from the Pillars of Hercules carpark. A pleasant walk through kamahi forest with occasional views down to the river.
Mount Urchin
Time: 5-6 hours
This traditional New Zealand bush track climbs clear of the native beech forest to offer stunning views toward Lake Taupo and the Tongariro National Park. Stand on some of the oldest parts of the North Island, while viewing some of the newest.
A chance to learn something of the Central Plateau’s volcanic history, as well as the story of the Tongariro power development, whilst viewed from a distance, puts things in perspective. Meet 8am at our base. A day trip for those with reasonable fitness, who enjoy the satisfaction of standing ‘on top of the world'.
Kaimanawa Road Forest Walk
Time: 20 minutes, loop track
Begins from the Urchin Camping Area 3km along Kaimanawa Road. A gently sloping, easy walk through beautiful native bush. There is a notable variety of forest types to be found on this short walk.
Tree Trunk Gorge Walking Track
Time: 2 hours 30 minutes, return via same track
Begins from Urchin Camping Area on Kaimanawa Road or from Tree Trunk Gorge Road where the track begins about 200m past the Tongariro River bridge on the left. A stroll through a range of native forest along an old Tongariro Power Scheme road. The track climbs to a ridge where you can look out over the Tongariro River. On a clear day there are views of Tongariro National Park. A stream crossing near the confluence with the Tongariro River makes a good rest stop. The use of mountain bikes is permitted on this track. Bikers should be considerate of walkers.
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