Park
Otaki Forks
16 locals recommend,
Tips from locals
Borris
January 17, 2015
Great bush walks and entrence to the Tararua forest,
Lynda
September 29, 2022
There are four walks in this area. If you are looking for a long hike, take the day trip to Table Top. It should take about five to six hours. You’ll walk over a footbridge and climb through amahi and beech forest. After all that work, you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping view of peaks of the Main Range and the gorges of the Ōtaki River. If you are looking for a shorter hike or have young kids, there are three trails at Ōtaki Forks that are short, easy, and family-friendly. The Arcus loop crosses a footbridge which adds to the fun. On this loop, you can see the river terraces where the Arcus family farmed in the 1930s. This walk provides excellent views of the river below. The Fenceline Loop goes through regenerating forests and provides exceptional views of the valley below. The Waiotauru Walk takes you to the relics of Seed and O’Brien’s Sawmill. Battle Hill Puketiro Loop is a 7.5-kilometer hike that takes about four hours. There are toilet facilities at the car park, but none on the route, so plan accordingly. The weather at the peak can be dramatic, so you might want to pack a jumper. The park was the site of a battle between Maori and colonial forces. It took the colonial forces three days to walk just six kilometers in the dense forest here! Start at the Dell car park and take the loop clockwise. Along the trail, you’ll cross paddocks, a stream, pine forests, and rolling hills. Boardwalks take you over the swampy gully wetland. The peak reaches 433 meters and provides gorgeous views of the Pāuatahanui inlet. You can even see the South Island. Ball Hill Farm Forest Park also offers several shorter walks for those looking for just a taste of this area.
There are four walks in this area. If you are looking for a long hike, take the day trip to Table Top. It should take about five to six hours. You’ll walk over a footbridge and climb through amahi and beech forest. After all that work, you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping view of peaks of the Main Ran…
Glenis And Julian
September 30, 2019
For serious trampers/hikers, Otaki forks is the gateway to the Tararua Ranges where tracks and trails traverse the hills north and south. Always take emergency supplies, and check the weather before setting off.
Eva
January 6, 2021
check out the pods! Such a great swimming spot in the river (the pods). Plus all the awesome walks around there too! short and long ones. Note: there was a slip and the road is closed approximately 5km from the start of the big hikes, but you can still hike across the slip if you have the right gear and know what you are doing.
Grace
September 24, 2020
Stunning hike with a few different trails and great water holes for swimming in summer, it takes about 30 mins to drive there but well worth packing a picnic and going with the family for the day, dogs are allowed.
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Location
Otaki Gorge Road
Hautere, Wellington