10 Forests in North Island That You Shouldn't Miss

May 8, 2022 Oliva Fomby

Discover the best top things to do in North Island, New Zealand including Te Urewera National Park, Hakarimata Scenic Reserve, Pakuratahi Forest, Bell Rock Walkway, Bell Rock Reserve, Rimutaka Forest Park, Otari-Wilton's Bush Native Botanic Garden, Akatarawa Forest, Waipoua Forest, Maungakawa Scenic Reserve.
Restaurants in North Island

1. Te Urewera National Park

63 Carnarvon Street New Zealand +64 6-869 0460
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
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5.0 based on 12 reviews

Te Urewera National Park

Immense and rugged national park features the largest forested wilderness in New Zealand's North Island.

Reviewed By Beinghana - Cusco, Peru

Please note that Te Urewera has not been a designated National Park since 2013. The Te Urewera Act 2014 recognises Te Urewera as it's own legal entity. "Te Urewera now owns itself, and exists for its own sake.The Tūhoe tribal authority, Te Uru Taumatua, provides operational management of Te Urewera and the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk. The Department of Conservation provides support and assistance with former national park assets."

2. Hakarimata Scenic Reserve

Ngaruawahia New Zealand http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/waikato/places/hakarimata-scenic-reserve
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
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5.0 based on 15 reviews

Hakarimata Scenic Reserve

Reviewed By TeodoraMt - Auckland, New Zealand

A very easy walk to the old dam, then 1300-1400 steps, with amazing views at the top. It's not very difficult, it's not easy either. As long as you take your time and enjoy the bush, anyone can do it. People are friendly and encouraging each others. A lot of visitors with various levels of fitness are walking (or running!) up to enjoy the views. The stairs are REALLY well maintained. There are plenty of native birds (I've seen several kereru, tui, pīwakawaka 2 days ago, mid day!) and amazing kauri trees. I found the first half of the steps more steep and difficult than the last half. There are several sections with handrails (really useful!). Muscle soreness is very possible after climbing up the steps, but so worth it! Overall I love the place, I will definitely be back!

3. Pakuratahi Forest

Mangaroa, Upper Hutt 5371 New Zealand +64 4-526 4133 [email protected] http://www.gwrc.govt.nz/pakuratahi/
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Pakuratahi Forest

The Pakuratahi Forest covers the western side of the Rimutaka ranges north of Upper Hutt and includes lands in the Kaitoke basin as well as the main Pakuratahi catchment. The area is best known for its walking, swimming, mountain biking and the historic structures of the 1870s Rimutaka Railway.

4. Bell Rock Walkway

Pohokura Road, Tutira New Zealand http://tracks.org.nz/track/show/653
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Bell Rock Walkway

5. Bell Rock Reserve

Pohokura Road, Tutira New Zealand http://tracks.org.nz/track/show/653
Excellent
100%
Good
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Bell Rock Reserve

6. Rimutaka Forest Park

Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt New Zealand
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
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5.0 based on 12 reviews

Rimutaka Forest Park

Reviewed By 767lindat - Lower Hutt, New Zealand

Wonderful place to take the family for a picnic/bush walk. River is safe for the little ones to swim and paddle. Numerous bush tracks of different grades to walk/tramp. Also a camping ground if staying for the weekend.

7. Otari-Wilton's Bush Native Botanic Garden

160 Wilton Road, Wellington 6012 New Zealand +64 4-499 1400 [email protected] http://wellington.govt.nz/recreation/enjoy-the-outdoors/gardens/otariwiltons-bush/visitor-information
Excellent
67%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 277 reviews

Otari-Wilton's Bush Native Botanic Garden

Otari Native Botanic Garden and Wilton's Bush Reserve is the only public botanic garden in New Zealand dedicated solely to native plants. The Garden is a unique plant sanctuary and forest reserve and includes 100ha of native forest and 5ha of plant collections. Some of Wellington's oldest trees are here, including an 800-year-old rimu. It is classified as a Garden of National Significance by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture. Just a 10-minute drive from the CBD or take the no. 14 bus bound for Wilton and get off at the Warwick St/Wilton Rd stop. Tell the bus driver and they will be sure to stop.

Reviewed By Car0le88 - Manchester, United Kingdom

A friend took us on the Otari-Wilton Bush trails- first the circular then on to the yellow trail to see the 800 year old tree. The trails were amazing, quite a few steps up and once you get all the way to the top to see the tree, some interesting trails back to the carpark. Would love to do some more next time we visit NZ. Beautiful specimens of plants and trees.

8. Akatarawa Forest

Karapoti Road Akatarawa, Wellington 5372 New Zealand +64 4-830 4408 http://www.gwrc.govt.nz/akatarawa/
Excellent
40%
Good
60%
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4.5 based on 5 reviews

Akatarawa Forest

9. Waipoua Forest

on Northland's west coast, between Dargaville and Omapere, Waipoua Forest New Zealand +64 9-439 3450 http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/northland/places/waipoua-forest
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 246 reviews

Waipoua Forest

Reviewed By cscac - Petaluma, United States

Beautiful roadside stop. I live in California where we have giant redwoods and sequoias. The Kauri tree is just as majestic as these. The walk is pretty easy and the man-made boardwalks easy to navigate. Definitely worth a stop to see these beautiful, giant trees if you are traveling through the north west part of the North Island of New Zealand.

10. Maungakawa Scenic Reserve

Maungakawa Rd, Cambridge 3496 New Zealand http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/waikato/waikato/maungakawa-scenic-reserve/
Excellent
48%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 48 reviews

Maungakawa Scenic Reserve

Reviewed By 642ChrisW - Hamilton, New Zealand

If you love God's beautiful planet creation then you'll absolutely love this place, with it's natural beauty, charm, peace and tranquility. So natural and unspoilt by humans!

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