24 - Pukatea Track

legendA bush walk in the Hira Forest with tall native trees, lush understorey and rich birdlife. Stout footwear and a reasonable level of fitness required.

Time: 2 hours

Area: Hira Forest.

Note: As access to this walk is through forestry roads, it is advised that you contact Action Forest Management Ltd on +64 3 544 8541, to ensure all roads are open before you depart.

Start Location: Drive up the Maitai Valley to the Sharlands Creek turn-off which is just opposite the lower fairways of the golf course. Follow Central Road, ignoring all left turns. Set your tripmeter to zero and after 12.5km you will be at the track starting point, which is just past the intersection of Central and Teal Valley roads.

Download the Pukatea Track map (171KB PDF)

Route directions

The Pukatea Track heads off the road on the right and is well signposted. Take a left turn onto the high trail and pass a magnificent matai, festooned with rata vines. There is a seat if you need a rest at this point. The track curves around and crosses a small stream. There is a wide variety of trees in the forest on the Pukatea Track including pukatea, tawa, titoki and raukawa.

The high trail climbs to a ridge with beech trees and then descends steeply to another stream, before climbing again to emerge at a clearing with a picnic table. Ignore the 4WD track on the left and take the low trail back down on the right which leads back to the lower part of the high track, then you retrace your footsteps to the car park.

There is a short trail off to the right which takes you to a picnic area where you can celebrate your walk with a cuppa.