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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: -38.18873, 176.31715. 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
- 5 km one way
- Walking time
- 1 hr 30 min
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Whakarewarewa State Forest Park
- 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
Specifically designed dual use trail through native bush with great downhills and some decent climbs for the mountain bikers. Starts from the highest point in Whakarewarewa Forest.
This DOC directory entry covers Tuhoto Ariki Trail in Bay of Plenty, within Whakarewarewa State 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: 5 km one way
- Walking time: 1 hr 30 min
- DOC grade: Advanced
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 is a specifically designed dual use mountain biking/tramping trail through native bush that both riders and walkers can enjoy.
Built by the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club, Tuhoto Ariki starts at the highest point in the Whakarewarewa Forest, Tawa (765 m). It runs through the native forest of the Whakarewarewa State Forest Park providing surroundings not otherwise seen on the rest of the Whakarewarewa trail network.
The track is named after the respected and feared Tuhourangi tohunga (priest) that predicted the Mt Tarawera eruption.
Mountain biking
Tuhoto Ariki has some long downhill segments, but don't be fooled by the height gain at the start - this is a true cross country track with some technical climbs also.
This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Getting there
Head south on SH5 from Rotorua city. 1 km from the city limit on the left you'll find the Waipa Mill, the entrance to the Whakarewarewa Forest.
Shuttles are available to the entrance of many trail starts.
To ride to the entrance from the Waipa Mill carpark, ride up the Waipa State Mill Rd which will turn into Hill Rd. Follow this for 5.5 km until Moerangi Rd appears on your right, 1 km on this and turn left onto Tawa Rd after 2.5 km you'll be at the highest point in the forest and at the start of the track.
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.
