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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: -37.75517, 176.37783. 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
- 4.4 km loop
- Walking time
- 1 hr 15 min
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Kaituna wetland
- 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
This loop track meanders through the wetland. You can get up close and personal with the wetland in a viewing hide.
This DOC directory entry covers Kaituna Wetland Loop Track in Bay of Plenty, within Kaituna wetland. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 4.4 km loop
- Walking time: 1 hr 15 min
- DOC grade: Easy
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
Access the Kaituna Wetland is off Kaituna Road just outside Te Puke. The walk meanders through the wetland for just over 6 km. Along the walk you can see interpretation panels which have interesting facts and information about the Lower Kaituna Wildlife Management Reserve.
The wetland has an abundant supply of waterfowl.
Getting there
Turn off SH2 onto Maketu Road. Turn left onto Te Tumu Road. At the end of the road, turn left again onto Kaituna Road. At the northern end of Kaituna Road, turn right over the bridge onto Pah Road – the carpark is immediately to the right.
Know before you go
Hunters occupy the area for the game bird hunting season, from the first weekend in May until the end of June.
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.
