Last updated October 2026
The Kiko Loop Track is a short loop for walkers and mountain bikers in Kaimanawa Forest Park, off Kiko Road north of Tūrangi. DOC says its feature is the variety of forest packed into a small area, from podocarp forest to beech and regenerating bush.
DOC grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track and allows 1 hr to 1 hr 30 min for the 3.9 km loop. The car park has a picnic area and toilet, but the final stretch of road needs a high-clearance vehicle or 4WD. The track is about 38 km from Taupō.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Kiko Loop Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOCTrack facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.
Practical Information
- Start
- Kiko Road car park, 17 km along Kiko Road off State Highway 1, 10 km north of Tūrangi
- Distance from the city
- about 38 km from Taupō
- Walking time
- 1 hr to 1 hr 30 min loop
- Track length
- 3.9 km loop
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Dogs
- Dogs with DOC permit (hunting)
- Track type
- Walking track (also used by mountain bikers)
- Facilities
- Picnic area and toilet at the car park
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Kiko Loop Track
The Kiko Loop is a small sampler of Kaimanawa Forest Park. On the western side of the loop you walk through podocarp forest of mataī, miro and rimu.
To the north-east the forest changes to red and silver beech and kāmahi, with crown fern beneath. Looking north-west, the bush was once milled right up to the track and is now regenerating.
Along the eastern side of the loop, look for trees banded with aluminium. DOC explains the bands protect a rare species of red mistletoe from browsing possums. Keep an eye out too for the inquisitive toutouwai, the North Island robin.
The loop is shared by walkers and mountain bikers. DOC notes there is good hunting in the area and access to the upper Tauranga-Taupō River for fishing.
Getting There
About 10 km north of Tūrangi, turn off State Highway 1 onto Kiko Road and follow it for 17 km to the car park. DOC says Kiko Road is a well-maintained gravel road, apart from the final section to the car park, which needs a high-clearance vehicle or 4WD.
The forest plantations on either side of Kiko Road are private land. Check the DOC page for alerts before you go.
Hunting and Dogs
DOC’s dog rule for this track is dogs with a DOC permit, for hunting. If you plan to hunt, see DOC’s Kaimanawa Forest Park hunting information for permits and dog access before you go.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Kiko Loop Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Kaimanawa Forest Park: tracks, huts, hunting information and alerts for the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Kiko Loop Track take?
DOC allows 1 hr to 1 hr 30 min for the 3.9 km loop.
How hard is the Kiko Loop?
DOC grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track.
Can I mountain bike the Kiko Loop?
Yes. DOC describes it as a short loop for both walkers and mountain bikers.
Where does it start?
At the car park 17 km along Kiko Road from State Highway 1. The turn-off is about 10 km north of Tūrangi.
Do I need a 4WD?
Kiko Road is well-maintained gravel, but DOC says the final section to the car park needs a high-clearance vehicle or 4WD.
Are dogs allowed?
Only with a DOC permit, for hunting.
Are there toilets?
Yes. DOC says the car park has a picnic area and toilet.
Is the track open?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no current alerts for this track. Check the DOC page for current alerts before you go.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.