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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: -38.20626, 177.29536. 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
- 2 hr
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Waioweka Gorge Scenic Reserve
- 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
This walking track crosses the historic Tauranga Bridge and passes alongside the Tauranga Stream.
This DOC directory entry covers Tauranga Loop Track in Gisborne, within Waioweka Gorge Scenic Reserve. 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: 2 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
Tauranga Bridge
There are parking and picnicking facilities at the start of the walk.
The track starts adjacent to the road and within 5 minutes reaches the historic Tauranga Bridge, spanning the Waioweka River. From the bridge you can see stunning views of the Waioweka River and surrounding native bush.
Once across the bridge the loop track begins and can be walked in either direction.
Travelling clockwise, turn left and walk through regenerating farmland on the southern side of the Tauranga Stream for approximately one hour. The track then crosses over the stream to the northern bank and doubles back along the bush edge to the Waioweka River. There is a second stream-crossing at the mouth of the Tauranga Stream to get back to the Tauranga Bridge.
Getting there
The Tauranga Bridge and Loop Track are located 26 km south-east of Opotiki on SH2.
Know before you go
This track includes stream crossings that are required to complete the loop. Before starting your walk, check the weather forecast and assess conditions carefully, as high stream levels may make crossings difficult or unsafe.
Track condition
This site may be damaged with slips, flooding or fallen trees from severe weather. Be prepared to turn back if needed.
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.
