Getting there
Hot Springs Road, Katikati
Located within the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park, this track begins at the end of Hot Springs Road, just south of Katikati off SH2.
About the walks
Tuahu Track
50 minutes return
A magnificent kauri tree is a stunning feature of
this walk. The kauri is known as Tuahu, named after
its location on an old Māori route that was used as
a bridle path in the 1890s.
A well-benched and graded track winds through native
forest of young kauri ‘rickers’ and juvenile rimu trees.
After 20 minutes, a side track leads to a platform
surrounding one of the largest kauri trees in the
Bay of Plenty.
Beyond this, the main track narrows
and becomes more difficult, continuing to the crest
of the Kaimai Range. Return by the same route.
Alternative route to the Tuahu Kauri
Following the Tuahu Track for 20 minutes, this walk
turns left off the main track and leads to a platform
surrounding one of the largest kauri trees in the Bay of Plenty.
Return by the same route. 50 minutes return trip for this walk.
Sentinel Rock Lookout
5 hours return, 5.4 km
This track branches off the Tuahu Track approximately 25 minutes from the car park (see walk 19). After a steep climb it travels along an undulating ridge to a view of Sentinel Rock, an isolated rock outcrop east of the main ridge of the Kaimai.
The view of the surrounding valley is spectacular on a clear day. The old track to the top of the rock is considered dangerous and should not be used. Return the same way.
Te Rereatukahia Loop Track
7 hours return, 14 km
This walk links Hot Springs Road with Te Rereatukahia Hut and back again in a loop. It can be walked in either direction. The easiest route is to take the Tuahu Track to the Tuahu Saddle (see walk 19). From here take the North South Track until coming to Te Rereatukahia Hut.
From the hut the Te Rereatukahia Track continues along a flat ridge top
before descending steeply. About 1 hour after the hut is a
junction with a track to Wharawhara Road end. The loop track
continues straight on, passing through two groves of kauri
before crossing the river and meeting up with Hot Springs
Road again, 100 m from the car park.
