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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: -37.88812, 176.21004. 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
- 3.8 km loop
- Walking time
- 1 hr 30 min
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Otanewainuku Forest
- 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
Walk among large rimu trees in Otanewainuku Forest. You can also take a side trip to Whataroa Falls, a popular swimming hole and picnic spot.
This DOC directory entry covers Otanewainuku Rimu Loop Walk in Bay of Plenty, within Otanewainuku Forest. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 3.8 km loop
- Walking time: 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
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This gently graded walk with some impressively large rimu trees is suitable for walking children - it's not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
It starts from the opposite side of the road near the carpark.
Side trip: Mountain Road to Whataroa Falls
Time: 60 min one way
For the slightly more agile a well marked route branches off the Rimu Loop Walk after 15 minutes and undulates through the forest to the Whataroa Falls. The waterfall is a popular swimming hole and picnic spot. Explore this lovely stream with cascades and pools before returning the same way.
Beyond the waterfall this track goes north to the main ridge track which leads to Otawa Scenic Reserve. It is around 18.5 km or 9 hours to Upper Papamoa Road. For a map and further information contact the local DOC office.
Getting there
Located south of Tauranga and Te Puke.
Take Oropi Road south from Tauranga and turn onto Mountain Road just past Oropi. There is a small car park, public shelter, toilet and picnic area by the road. Alternatively, access Mountain Road from No 2 Road near Te Puke.
Know before you go
No mountain biking permitted.
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.
