Kaharoa Kōkako Track

The track is approximately 45-minutes. It's a gradual walk downhill through lush native forest to Onaia Stream. This is a gentle coursing stream with minor waterfalls, that flows through a steep incised narrow gorge.

Keep your eyes and ears peeled for kōkako hopping through the forest canopy feeding or singing. At dawn, their haunting song can be heard through the entire forest and is well worth the early rise to experience.

The return journey is back along the same track.

36 km north of Rotorua, from Rotorua access is via Hamurana road, then the Tauranga Direct Road, Kaharoa Road and finally Kapukapu Road.

Vehicle parking

There are two carparks along Kapukapu Road. The first carpark is a picnicking area with a shelter. It parks about 10 cars. There's also information about the recent history of the reserve and efforts to restore this local kōkako population by Kaharoa Kōkako Trust, a volunteer-based community conservation group.

The second carpark is approximately 500 m north of the first and it's located at the entrance of the track. Parks three cars only.

The Kaharoa Kōkako Track is suitable for a variety of ages and fitness levels. It is downhill to the stream. The walk back up to the carpark requires a medium level of fitness to return. There's some steep terrain and a flight of steps near the end of the track.

If you are bringing children, keep in mind that the stream is an open waterway. After heavy rainfall can be fast flowing and at a higher level than usual. There are a few areas with steep drop-offs as well.

No dogs allowed and there are no toilet facilities or rubbish bins, so plan ahead.

Kaharoa forest is home to one of New Zealand’s remaining populations of North Island kōkako, as well as an abundance of other native birdlife.