Aongatete Long Loop Walk: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

A half-day tramp through the Aongatete lowland forest.

This DOC directory entry covers Aongatete Long Loop Walk in Bay of Plenty, within Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 6.7 km (via the Short Loop Track) loop
• Walking time: 3 hr loop
• DOC grade: Advanced

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

This is a more difficult track including short, moderately steep sections and stream crossings. For easier walking options, try the Aongatete Short Loop Walk or Aongatete Nature Trail.

From the car park, follow the Loop Tracks path to the junction with the Short Loop Track. Continue straight ahead, on the path signposted for the Long Loop Track. Follow the path through the bush, crossing a small stream and following beside another one, before the path rounds a corner and begins to head back to the road.

Continue through bush until another junction with the Short Loop Track is reached. Take the path to the right, which emerges from the forest at the top of a paddock. Cross the stile and walk down to the car park.

There are stream crossings on this track. These are safe to cross in normal conditions, but can be dangerous when in flood (e.g. during/after heavy rain). Assess them carefully before crossing and if in doubt, stay out.

Getting there

The Aongatete tracks start at the car park at the end of Wright Road, off SH 2 between Tauranga and Katikati, towards the Aongatete Outdoor Education Centre and Lodge. Park in the car park before the gate to the lodge.

You cannot go to the lodge as it is not public land. Contact the lodge manager to organise access.

Know before you go

There are toilets at the entrance to the car park.

Take care crossing the stream, especially after rain

There is a stream crossing on this track. While it is fine to cross in normal flows, it can be unsafe to cross after rain. Assess it carefully before crossing and turn back if it is not safe to cross.

Lock your car and leave valuables out of sight

The car park is located in a remote location so its important your vehicle is left secured. Make sure it is locked and that all valuables are out of sight.

No dogs

Dogs are not permitted on this track.

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.