Kaharoa Kokako Track

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Marios Gavalas

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Hamurana, Rotorua Region

Camping near Hamurana

Information

2.4 km return | 1 hour 30 minutes return

The efforts of the Kaharoa Kokako Trust, DoC, Environment Bay of Plenty and volunteers have been rewarded with an increase in bird numbers in the Kaharoa Conservation Area and a commensurate improvement in the health and diversity of the forest. Since the Trust’s formation in 1997, 47 kokako have been successfully bred. If you’ve never heard the note of a kokako then here is the best place to experience their haunting melody.

Walking Track

Access

From Rotorua, follow Fairysprings Road, Ngongotaha Road and Hamurana Road, then turn left into Tauranga Direct Road. Kaharoa Road is a further 5km on the right. Turn left into Kapukapu Road after 3.4km, which becomes unsealed. The track is a further 8.3km.

You will need to park in the large parking area on the right and walk 10 minutes along the road to the signposted start of the track.

Track

After 10 minutes of walking along the road, the formed, unmarked and uneven track follows the ridge of a spur to the Onaia Stream.

Return by the same route after exploring the edge of the stream. Take care, as the mossy rocks can be very slippery.

Flora

The haunting melody of the kokako’s song is an unfortunate rarity in the New Zealand forest. Since the introduction of predators such as rats and possums, competition for food and predation of chicks has led to a worrying decline in numbers. The total population is now estimated to be approximately 1,500 individuals.

If you attempt this walk in the morning you may be fortunate enough to appreciate the dawn chorus or catch a glimpse of the kokako’s steely grey colourings and striking blue wattle below the black mask of facial feathers.

Details

Feature

Value

Info

Organisation

DOC Bay of Plenty

Central government organisation

Location

North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Hamurana

Categories

Walking
Free

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-37.9499511667977

176.294309997559

Latitude
-37.9499511667977
Longitude
176.294309997559

Feature	Value	Info
Track Length	1km to 3km Track Length What is the physical length of this track? 1km to 3km	Track Length What is the physical length of this track? 1km to 3km
Track Duration	1 to 2 hours Track Duration How long does it take to walk this track on average? 1 to 2 hours	Track Duration How long does it take to walk this track on average? 1 to 2 hours
Track Difficulty	Moderate walk Track Difficulty Considering the track's terrain, safety, facilities - how hard is this walk to complete? Moderate walk	Track Difficulty Considering the track's terrain, safety, facilities - how hard is this walk to complete? Moderate walk
Payment Requirement	Free access/participation Payment Requirement Is there a cost for this experience or is it free? Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in.	Payment Requirement Is there a cost for this experience or is it free? Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in.
Large Vehicle Access	Large vehicle accessible Large Vehicle Access Can large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers.	Large Vehicle Access Can large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers.
Disabled Access	No disabled access Disabled Access Does this location provide disabled access? No disabled access This location does not provide access for wheelchairs.	Disabled Access Does this location provide disabled access? No disabled access This location does not provide access for wheelchairs.
Crowd Factor	Lesser Known Crowd Factor How crowded is this place usually? Lesser Known Usually has less people visiting	Crowd Factor How crowded is this place usually? Lesser Known Usually has less people visiting
Track Managing Organisation	DOC Managed Track Managing Organisation What type of organisation operates this walking track? DOC Managed This track is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation.	Track Managing Organisation What type of organisation operates this walking track? DOC Managed This track is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation.