Kaharoa Kōkako Track
The Kaharoa Kōkako Track offers a great opportunity to hear the enchanting dawn chorus of New Zealand's native birds, including the kōkako. If you’re really lucky, you may even spot a kōkako or two high up in the canopy above.
The Kaharoa Kōkako Track begins 600m along the road from the Kapukapu Road car park shelter, near the end of Kapukapu Road. There is a small trailhead car park, for 1 or 2 cars, at the start of this public walking track. If the trailhead car park is full, simply park at the Kapukapu Road car park shelter and walk along the road to the start of the track.
The track meanders its way down through beautiful forest to the Onaia Stream, a tranquil and secluded spot ideal for enjoying the mesmerising birdsong chorus.
Other native birds found in the area include tui, korimako (bellbird), kererū, toutouwai (North Island robin) and pīpīwharauroa (shining cuckoo).
The track is 2.4 km return, via the same track, and takes approximately 45 minutes each way. It is considered by DOC to be an advanced tramping track. A reasonable level of fitness is needed as the path is steep in some places.
Please note:
Dogs, mountain bikes and motorbikes are not permitted on the trail.
More information can be found on DOC’s site here.
Getting there:
Kaharoa Conservation Area is approximately 30km northeast of Rotorua. Follow SH36 through Ngongotahā and Hamurana, and turn right onto Kaharoa Road, then left into Kapukapu Road. Near the end of Kapukapu Road there's a car park and shelter with information panels about the area, kōkako and the Kaharoa Kōkako Trust. The start of the Kaharoa Kōkako Track, and small trailhead car park is 600m further along the Kapukapu road.