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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -39.39875, 175.41537. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 15 mins return
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Tongariro National Park
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Explore the forest in the Tongariro National Park on this easy short walk close to Ohakune township.
This DOC directory entry covers Rimu Walk in Central North Island, within Tongariro National 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 15 mins return
- DOC grade: Easiest
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 an easy grade walking track. It is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.
The track begins at the same entrance as the Mangawhero Forest Walk. Both tracks enter the Tongariro National Park forest and cross the Mangawhero river. While crossing the foot bridge, look upstream for a chance to spot whio/blue duck.
Rimu Walk then loops off the Mangawhero Forest Walk. It winds through an understorey of ground ferns and kāmahi. The track criss-crosses a quiet mountain stream. Look up to take in the towering rimu trees.
There is a bench near the mountain stream. This is a great spot to stop and enjoy the sounds of the forest or bird watch.
The track then leads back towards the Mangawhero Forest Walk. Exit the forest via the same track out to the road.
Getting there
The walk starts opposite the Ohakune DOC office at the bottom of the Ohakune Mountain Road.
Follow signage for Turoa ski field for 2 km from Ohakune township. The carpark is located on the left before Ohakune Mountain Road continues into the forest.
Know before you go
Toilets are located at the carpark at the start of the track.
Take all rubbish home with you.
Dogs and drones are not allowed.
Bikes are not allowed.
No drones
Flying a drone without a permit is strictly prohibited.
Drone use on conservation land
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.
