By Outdoor Next Editorial standards
On this page
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: -39.02072, 175.99821. 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
- 3.9 km loop
- Walking time
- 1 hr - 1 hr 30 min
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Kaimanawa Forest Park
- Dog access
- Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. 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 short loop track is a great way for walkers and mountain bikers to experience the variety of nature in the Kaimanawa Forest Park.
This DOC directory entry covers Kiko Loop Track in Central North Island, within Kaimanawa Forest 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: 3.9 km loop
- Walking time: 1 hr - 1 hr 30 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
Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
A feature of this track is the variety of forest in a relatively small area. The western side is a podocarp forest of mataī, miro and rimu. To the north east the forest is red and silver beech and kāmahi with an understorey of crown fern. Looking to the north west the bush was milled right up the track and is now regenerating.
Along the eastern side of the loop you'll see trees banded with aluminium to protect a rare species of red mistletoe from browsing possums. Look out for the inquisitive toutouwai/North Island robin as you walk around the loop.
There is good hunting in the area, as well as access to the upper Tauranga-Taupō river for fishing. Visit the Kaimanawa Forest Park hunting page for information on permits and dog access, and learn more about fishing the Tauranga-Taupō River on the Taupō Fishery page.
Getting there
10 km north of Tūrangi, turn off SH1 onto Kiko Road. Follow this for 17 km to the carpark.
Know before you go
The carpark has a picnic area and toilet.
Be aware that the forest plantations on either side of Kiko Road are on private land.
Kiko Road is a well-maintained gravel road, aside from the final section to the carpark which requires a high-clearance vehicle or 4WD.
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.
