Puketi Forest
Puketi Forest is an ancient kauri (Agathis australis) forest located in Northland near Kerikeri. With the Omahuta Forest it forms one of the largest contiguous tracts of native forest in Northland.
It has 15,000 hectares (37,000 acres) of kauri, podocarp and hardwood trees and a rich diversity including hundreds of recorded species of plants, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. Puketi Kauri Forest is signposted from SH10 south of Kaeo and north of Waipapa. It can also be reached from SH1, north of Okaihau. There are many tracks and walks, and accommodation is available at the Puketi Recreational Area with campsites, huts and lodges for hire.
Manginangina Kauri Walk: 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.
Kauri Stump Walk: 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.
Onekura Track: This is a lovely full day loop track that descends from the quarry down the Onekura Ridge to the Waipapa River. Once at the Waipapa River, turn downstream, then take the Mangahorehore Route uphill to return to start. The start of the track is from above the quarry site, 6km up the Mokau Ridge from the Waiare Road. Park on the roadside and walk or mountain bike to the track start. The Mokau Ridge is accessible to pedestrians or mountain bikers only.
Mangahorehore Track: The Mangahorehore Route follows an old road through a taraire stand, and then descends to the Waipapa River Track near Camp Creek in about 2 hours. It can be walked after the OneKura Track.
For more information on these and other walks go to the Doc website below.
