Attractions and places to go
Dinosaurs once walked among these ancient towering kahikatea, totara, matai and rimu forest giants. A slice of gondwana land has survived the 19th century logging era. One of the world’s last prehistoric rainforests is where.
Highlights
- New Zealand’s only native mammals, the long and short-tailed bat, live in the native forest and bush. The bats are rarely sighted.
- Arohaki Lagoon. Magnificent swamp kahikatea rooted in the water tower over the landscape.
- Te Whaiti-Nui-a-Toi Canyon is a spectacular rock-bound cascade of water over moss covered rocks
Together with Whirinaki Te Pua-A-Tane conservation park guide – Best Bits guide you will discover clear swimming pools, a magnificent remote waterfall and the possibility of sighting the endangered whio (blue duck). Halfway into the walk is a picnic table and compostable toilet which is a magical place to stop and admire the views from the bridge across the Whirinaki River just above the top of the falls. NOTE The bottom of the falls is inaccessible.
Walkers return on the opposite side of the river with views of the Te Wahiti-Nui-a-Toi Canyon retracing steps back to the car park. For more information check Whirinaki Waterfall Loop Track.
- Length: 11 km
- Grade: Easy (two short climbs, no steps)
This walk is part of the Unforgettable walks in New Zealand series. The Whirinaki Forest is one of the world’s last prehistoric rainforests. The Department of Conservation is responsible for administering the 562 km2 (217 sq mi) park jointly with the local iwi, Ngāti Whare… source wikipedia.
