Tree Trunk Gorge tracks
WalkWaikato
- Grade
- Advanced
- Walking time
- 1 hr 30 min
- Distance
- 5 km, 17 km
- Biking time
- Various times under 4 hr
- Dogs
- DOC permit only
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzTree Trunk Gorge Road is 23 km south of Tūrangi.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 39.15711° S, 175.81330° E
About this place
Walk or mountain bike through the Kaimanawa Forest Park taking in two spectacular gorges, and the characteristic beech and kamahi forest.
The route
Tree Trunk Gorge Track
Time (one way): 1 hr 30 min walk; 1 hr mountain bike km This track can be accessed from either the Urchin Campsite off Kaimanawa Road or from Tree Trunk Gorge Road. Either way it is generally well graded as it follows the line of an old road associated with the Tongariro Power Scheme. Red beech surrounds the track for most of the way but close to the Tree Trunk Gorge end an open ridge provides good views out to Tongariro National Park. This is a tramping track: there are several small streams to cross, and one larger one 15 minutes from the southern exit/entrance. Most are fairly easy to negotiate unless there has been recent heavy rain.
Popular mountain bike option: Tree Trunk Gorge - SH1 Loop Track
Time: 2 - 4 hr mountain bike
km This route is fairly well graded and can be ridden in either direction but is described here from the Tree Trunk Gorge road end. The first downhill can be slippery and at the bottom of the descent is a small river which can become impassable after rain but is generally rideable. Carry on along the track to the Urchin Campsite, then follow the Urchin to Pillars of Hercules Track to reach the Pillars of Hercules suspension bridge. Cross the bridge and then take the well graded 4WD track out to SH1 (about 25 to 40 minutes). From here it is a 2.5 km cycle up the highway, and another 4.5 km down Tree Trunk Gorge Road to the starting point. Note: If you are not comfortable riding along the highway; organise a shuttle from Kaimanwa Road, or return to Tree Trunk Gorge Road via the same track once you reach the Pillars of Hercules.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Urchin Campsite
Basic • Waikato • 0.9 km
Urchin Campsite is a popular campsite in the Waikato region that serves as a base for hunting, tramping, walking, and mountain biking. A variety of tracks are…
Fire pit/place for campfires (except in fire bans) • Non-powered/tent sites • Water from stream
Freedom Camping for Self Contained Vehicles
Waikato • 2.5 km
Freedom Camping for Self Contained Vehicles is a campsite located in the Waikato region. It provides a location for self contained vehicles to park and camp.
Kaimanawa Road Campsite
Basic • Waikato • 2.5 km
Kaimanawa Road Campsite is a basic campsite located within the Kaimanawa Forest Park in the Waikato region. It serves as a starting point for many forest walks…
Fire pit/place for campfires (except in fire bans) • Non-powered/tent sites • Toilets - non-flush
Waikoko Campsite
Basic • Waikato • 2.7 km
Waikoko Campsite is the main campsite of five located along Waikoko stream in the Waikato region. It sits in a large, sunny clearing above the river.
Fire pit/place for campfires (except in fire bans) • Non-powered/tent sites • Shelter for cooking
Oturere Campsite
Great Walk • Waikato • 10.7 km
Oturere Campsite is a walk-in campsite on the Tongariro Northern Circuit in the Waikato region. Bookings are required during the Great Walks season.
Non-powered/tent sites • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use • Toilets - non-flush
Walks nearby
Urchin Campsite to Pillars of Hercules
Easy • 30 min • 1.5 km • 0.95 km away
Kaimanawa Forest Loop Walk
Easy • 20 min • 1.1 km • 1.12 km away
Mt Urchin Trig Track
Advanced • 3–4 hr • 6.6 km • 2.6 km away
Urchin Track (to Waipakihi Valley)
Advanced • 3 - 4 hr one way • 7 km • 3.67 km away
Waipakihi Valley (Waipakihi Road end to Waipakihi Hut)
Expert • 8 - 12 hr • 3.67 km away
Notes from people who have been
No notes yet. If you have been, say what you found.
Something missing or out of date?
Closed, moved, wrong facts, or something we have missed? Travellers keep the Road Guide up to date. Tell us what you found at contribute@parkup.nz and we will check it and add it.
Ask us to take this down
A person reads every request. We do not remove a place until we have checked it.
Sources
- DOC Tracks (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).