Tree Trunk Gorge Track Taupō: Walking and Mountain Biking in Kaimanawa Forest Park

Last updated October 2026

The Tree Trunk Gorge Track is a 5 km one-way shared-use trail in Kaimanawa Forest Park that connects the Tree Trunk Gorge Road trailhead with Urchin Campsite on Kaimanawa Road. It passes through native beech and kamahi forest while crossing streams and following the line of an old road associated with the Tongariro Power Scheme.

Walkers and mountain bikers both use the route, which features two spectacular gorges and offers views toward Tongariro National Park from an open ridge near one end.

The track is managed by the Department of Conservation and requires care at stream crossings, especially after rain. Access is possible from either end, so most visitors arrange transport or complete a return trip.

Track Facts

Practical Information

Distance

5 km one-way

Time

1.5 hours walking one-way; 1 hour mountain biking one-way

Grade

Tramping track (walking); shared-use technical terrain (mountain biking)

Trailhead 1

Tree Trunk Gorge Road (23 km south of Tūrangi)

Trailhead 2

Urchin Campsite, Kaimanawa Road

Stream crossings

Yes, several small streams and one larger crossing; check conditions after rain

Entry

Free, DOC managed

Managed by

Department of Conservation (Kaimanawa Forest Park)

About Tree Trunk Gorge Track

The Tree Trunk Gorge Track lies within Kaimanawa Forest Park in the central North Island. It follows a well-graded route that was once part of infrastructure for the Tongariro Power Scheme and now provides access through characteristic red beech forest with kamahi present in places.

Two gorges form the scenic highlights where the track crosses the upper reaches of the Tongariro River system. An open ridge near the Tree Trunk Gorge Road end offers views across to Tongariro National Park.

Stream crossings are a feature of the route. Several small streams and one larger crossing occur along the way, and conditions can change quickly after heavy rain. The Department of Conservation advises checking current conditions before travel, particularly in winter or wet weather.

The track is signed from both ends and is suitable for day trips. It forms part of the broader network of walking and mountain biking opportunities in Kaimanawa Forest Park, where hunting is also permitted.

Walking the Track

Walkers typically allow 1.5 hours one-way. The route is generally well graded but includes stream crossings that may require wet feet in normal conditions. Most people start from either the Tree Trunk Gorge Road end or Urchin Campsite and return the same way or arrange a vehicle shuttle.

Mountain Biking the Track

Mountain bikers complete the one-way ride in about one hour. The track is shared use, so riders must follow the mountain bikers code and give way to walkers. The gorge sections and stream crossings add technical interest.

Many riders start at Tree Trunk Gorge Road and continue to Urchin Campsite before returning or linking with other routes such as the Urchin to Pillars of Hercules Track for a longer loop option.

Mountain Biking the Pillars of Hercules Loop to SH1

Mountain bikers can turn the Tree Trunk Gorge track into a 17 km loop that DOC times at 2 to 4 hours.

From the Tree Trunk Gorge road end, ride the track to Urchin Campsite, then the Urchin to Pillars of Hercules Track to the Pillars of Hercules suspension bridge. Across the bridge a 4WD track leads out to State Highway 1 in about 25 to 40 minutes.

The loop finishes with 2.5 km up the highway and 4.5 km down Tree Trunk Gorge Road to the start. DOC calls it fairly well graded and says it can be ridden in either direction, and the Herenga ā Nuku track data gives the Pillars of Hercules tracks a bike grade of 4.

DOC warns that the first downhill can be slippery and that the small river at its foot, usually rideable, can be impassable after rain.

If you would rather not ride the highway, DOC suggests a shuttle from Kaimanawa Road or returning from the Pillars of Hercules the way you came. These are shared-use tracks used by walkers and hunters as well, so follow the mountain bikers code.

Where to Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the Tree Trunk Gorge Track start?
The track can be accessed from Tree Trunk Gorge Road (23 km south of Tūrangi) or from Urchin Campsite on Kaimanawa Road.

How long does it take to walk or bike the Tree Trunk Gorge Track?
Allow 1.5 hours one-way for walking and about 1 hour one-way for mountain biking.

Are there stream crossings on the Tree Trunk Gorge Track?
Yes. The route includes several small streams and one larger crossing. Conditions can become difficult or impassable after heavy rain.

Is the Tree Trunk Gorge Track suitable for beginners?
The track is a tramping track with stream crossings and is best suited to those with some experience. It is shared with mountain bikers.

Can the Tree Trunk Gorge Track be done as a loop?
The main track is point-to-point. Riders sometimes extend it into a longer loop via the Urchin to Pillars of Hercules Track and SH1, or simply return the same way.

Is the Tree Trunk Gorge Track free to use?
Yes, track access is free. Urchin Campsite may have fees; check the current DOC campsite information.

What forest types are found along the Tree Trunk Gorge Track?
The track passes through red beech forest with kamahi also present, typical of the high-altitude forest in Kaimanawa Forest Park.

Who manages the Tree Trunk Gorge Track?
The Department of Conservation manages the track within Kaimanawa Forest Park.

Can I ride a loop from Tree Trunk Gorge?
Yes. DOC describes a 17 km loop of 2 to 4 hours via Urchin, the Pillars of Hercules bridge, a 4WD track, 2.5 km of SH1 and Tree Trunk Gorge Road.

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