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Key facts
- Distance
- 11 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 4 hr
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Puketī and Ōmahuta Forests
- Dog access
- Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only. 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
The Pirau Ridge Track in Puketī Forest is an easy 11 km walking track, with walking and mountain biking opportunities.
This DOC directory entry covers Pirau Ridge Track in Northland, within Puketī and Ōmahuta Forests. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 11 km return via same track
- Walking time: 4 hr
- 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 for recreational hunting or management purposes only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This old logging road provides walking or mountain biking opportunities between the Puketī Recreation Area and the start of the Pukatea Ridge Track.
You can access the lower Waipapa River Track from the Pirau Ridge which connects to the Pukatea Ridge Track.
Mountain biking
Biking is permitted on the Pirau Ridge Road and Mokau Ridge Road but none of the other public conservation tracks in the Puketi and Omahuta Forest.
This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Getting there
There are several places that you can access the recreational area from. The recommended entry point is from SH10 approximately 600 m north of the Waipapa Township.
Turn left along Pungaere Road past the sign directing you to the Puketī Forest Park. Follow Pungaere Road for approximately 15 km. Take care as part of the road is gravelled. At a T-intersection, turn left, follow the road for about 2 km. The entrance of the recreational area will be on your right.
If using alternative routes, refer to local maps as there is no DOC signage at other possible entry points to the Puketī Forest.
Know before you go
No fires due to risks to wildlife.
These are backcountry tracks and require adequate supplies, clothing, a reasonable degree of fitness and experience.
The relevant topographical map should be carried. For longer tramps NZMS 260, 1:50,000 topographical maps are essential.
Carry warm, waterproof clothing, and food and drink, even on short walks. Stout shoes or walking boots are advisable.
You may wish to boil water from the streams before drinking
Leaving vehicles at road ends over night is not advisable due to the risk of theft.
Pirau Ridge Track is closed to public vehicles. Walkers may encounter DOC vehicles on the road at any time.
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.
