Te Tihi o Tawa Trail
Alerts
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
Te Tihi o Tawa is a specifically built trail through native bush with great downhills for mountain bikers. It starts from the highest point in Whakarewarewa Forest and links into 'Billy T' half way down.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Description
Te Tihi o Tawa starts at the top of the highest point in Whakawerawera Forest, Tawa (765 m). It is mainly down hill and joins 'Billy T' half way down bringing you back towards the main network of trails in the Whakarewarewa Forest. Built by the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club.
Running through mature forest containing, tawa, mahoe, five finger with mistletoe and juvenile rata. The surroundings means that Te Tihi o Tawa provides an experience unlike other trails in the area. The trail is generally decending with a total drop of approximately180 m.
Getting there
Head south on SH5 from Rotorua city. 1 km from the city limit, on the left, you'll find the Waipa Mill – the entrance to the Whakarewarewa Forest.
Shuttles are available to take you to the entrance of many trails.
To ride to the entrance from the Waipa Mill carpark, ride up the Waipa State Mill Rd, which will turn into Hill Rd. Follow this for 5.5 km until Moerangi Rd appears on your right, 1 km on this and turn left onto Tawa Rd after 2.5 km you'll be at the highest point in the forest and at the start of the trail.
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track