Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park spans nearly 37,000 hectares across the central North Island of New Zealand, covering parts of the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions. The park encompasses the Kaimai Range and Mamaku Plateau, featuring steep volcanic peaks, deep river valleys, dense native bush, and expansive kauri and podocarp forests. The varied terrain includes basalt cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, and serene forested ridges. Historically, the area was logged extensively but has undergone progressive reforestation and protection supported by the Department of Conservation. The park is rich in native birdlife, including tui, kereru (wood pigeon), and the elusive New Zealand falcon, and also serves as a habitat for native reptiles and rare plants. Visitors to Kaimai-Mamaku can explore a range of activities such as tramping (hiking), hunting, fishing, mountain biking, and bird watching. Popular trails like the Wairere Falls Track lead to New Zealand's longest waterfall, plunging 153 meters. Several historic mining relics and heritage sites highlight the region's early European settlement and gold prospecting history. The park's network of well-maintained trails varies from short, accessible walks to multi-day backcountry routes, making it an excellent destination for families, day hikers, and experienced trampers alike. Scenic viewpoints along the ridges provide spectacular vistas across the Waikato plains and toward the Bay of Plenty coastline. Accessibility from nearby towns and cities makes Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park a key outdoor recreation area for locals and visitors seeking authentic native forest and mountain experiences.
