Walk Reopened in Puketi Forest

Walk Reopened in Puketi Forest – Perfect for Families

After a 5 year closure, the Department of Conservation is re-opening the Waihoanga Gorge Kauri Walk, in time to co-incide with Conservation Week.

This beautiful track, which takes two and a half hours to complete is ideal for families and winds its way gently through virgin kauri stands and affords stunning views of Waihoanga Gorge and Pirau Fault.

The walk, which had been closed because the old structures no longer complied with modern building standards, has seen a major renovation of the public facilities including, bridges, tracks, and boardwalks.

“The reopening of this walk is an important expansion of recreational opportunities for families in the Bay of Islands and mid-north areas.” Says Kerikeri-based conservation officer Katrina Upperton.

Located within the Puketi forest and home to native species such as Kokako, Kukupa and the North Island brown kiwi, this tranquil yet spectacular walk provides an excellent opportunity for families, to explore the incredible complexity, diversity and beauty of the forest.

It also allows visitors to enjoy the gorge’s unique geological history and interesting examples of volcanic and sedimentary soils.

Conservation Week, coordinated by the Department of Conservation, takes place during the first week of August each year, celebrates New Zealand’s parks and reserves and encourages people to get out and enjoy them. It is an opportunity
to focus on the wonders of our natural heritage and the outdoor recreation opportunities available to families and individuals of all ages within New Zealand’s parks.

The reopening also serves as an outstanding example of partnership between local land owner and DoC, as access to track entrance is through the farm of June and Ian Wilson.

In addition to being supportive of the tracks reopening, the Wilson’s are managing their farm in a manner that complements the adjacent ecosystem of Puketi Forest by undertaking possum and predator control and fencing of habitats.

Conservation Week runs from 31 July to 6 August. Up-dated details on activities planned during Conservation Week will be available from the Department of Conservation websit: www.doc.govt.nz.

For further information, please contact
Shelly Clendenon; Department of Conservation, Kerikeri Area Office,
phone: 09 407-8474 Fax 09 407-7038.

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