Opepe Scenic and Historic Reserve is a small but significant forest reserve on the Napier–Taupō Highway (State Highway 5), 17 kilometres east of Taupō. The reserve contains mature podocarp forest — unusually intact for this region, which lost much of its native bush to the Taupō eruption of 186 AD and later to timber milling — and is the site of a significant 1869 New Zealand Land Wars engagement. Two short walking tracks explore the northern and southern sides of the highway, both passing through native bush and alongside the historical remnants of the settlement.
Practical Information
| Location | State Highway 5 (Napier–Taupō Highway), 17 km east of Taupō |
| Entry | Free, open all hours |
| Northern Track | 1.5 km loop, 30–45 minutes, includes the cemetery |
| Southern Track | 3 km loop, 1–1.5 hours, passes saw pit, bullock watering site and well |
| Grade | Easy — mostly flat, well-formed tracks |
| Managed by | Department of Conservation |
| Dogs | Permitted — must be under control at all times |
| Parking | Car parks on both sides of SH5 |
The Northern Track
The northern car park accesses a 1.5-kilometre loop through mature podocarp forest. The canopy here — rimu and other podocarps — survived the post-volcanic and later logging pressures that stripped much of the surrounding landscape, making it a notable pocket of old-growth character for the central plateau. A side track near the car park leads to the reserve’s small cemetery, where nine soldiers from the Bay of Plenty Cavalry are buried following the 1869 Land Wars engagement at Opepe.
The Southern Track
The southern track begins at the car park on the other side of SH5 and offers two options: a 20-minute return walk to the old saw pit, or the full 3-kilometre loop. The loop passes through regenerating forest and by several relics of the settlement that once operated here — tōtara fencing posts, the bullock watering site, and a water well are all visible along the route. The loop takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours at a comfortable pace.
Historical Significance
In April 1869, a party of Bay of Plenty Cavalry soldiers was camped at Opepe when they were attacked by Māori warriors led by Te Kooti Arikirangi Te Tūruki. Nine soldiers were killed in the engagement — the most significant Land Wars event in the Taupō region. The cemetery on the northern side of the reserve marks their burial site.
What Visitors Say
“A hidden gem of a DOC bush walk — mature podocarp forest that feels quite special for the region, and the cemetery adds a real sense of history. Well worth the detour off SH5.”
Where to Learn More
DOC – Opepe Walks — official track information, access details, and historical background from the Department of Conservation.
Love Taupō – Opepe Scenic and Historic Reserve — visitor guide with overview of both tracks and the reserve’s history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Opepe Bush Reserve?
17 km east of Taupō on State Highway 5 (the Napier–Taupō Highway). Car parks are on both sides of the road where the reserve is bisected by the highway.
How long are the Opepe Bush walks?
The northern loop is 1.5 km (30–45 min). The southern loop is 3 km (1–1.5 hours), with a shorter 20-minute option to the saw pit and back.
Are dogs allowed at Opepe Bush Reserve?
Yes — dogs are permitted but must be kept under control at all times.
What is the historic significance of Opepe?
In 1869, nine Bay of Plenty Cavalry soldiers were killed in a Land Wars engagement at the site. They are buried in the cemetery on the northern side of the reserve, accessible from the northern track.
Is there an entry fee for Opepe Bush Reserve?
No — entry is free. Both tracks and the car parks are open at all hours.
Opepe Bush Reserve is best reached as a stop on the drive between Taupō and Napier. The Taupō walking tracks hub has a full overview of walks in and around the district.