Kaimanawa Forest Park is a large conservation area on the eastern side of the central North Island, covering rugged beech forest, river gorges, and the upper reaches of the Tongariro River. The park’s most accessible walks are concentrated along Kaimanawa Road, 15 kilometres south of Turangi off State Highway 1, where short tracks reach the Pillars of Hercules gorge and loop through native forest from the Urchin Campsite. The park also contains the longer Tree Trunk Gorge Track — a mixed walking and mountain biking route through the beech forest.
Practical Information
| Location | Kaimanawa Road, 15 km south of Turangi on SH1 (or ~55 km south of Taupō) |
| Access | Turn off SH1 onto Kaimanawa Road; Urchin Campsite is 3 km along the road |
| Entry | Free — DOC managed |
| Pillars of Hercules walk | 10 minutes return from the carpark 2 km along Kaimanawa Road |
| Kaimanawa Road loop | 20-minute loop from the Urchin Campsite |
| Camping | Urchin Campsite available — check DOC for current fees and facilities |
| Managed by | Department of Conservation |
Pillars of Hercules
The Pillars of Hercules is the standout feature of the accessible walks in Kaimanawa Forest Park — a narrow gorge where the Tongariro River forces through an ancient lava flow, creating a dramatic chasm of andesite and ignimbrite columns eroded into pillar-like forms. The gorge is viewed from a 40-metre suspension bridge across the ravine. The walk to the bridge from the carpark (2 km along Kaimanawa Road) takes approximately 10 minutes return through kamahi forest above the river. The geological formation is the result of the Tongariro River cutting through lava flows estimated to be 350,000 years old and older.
Kaimanawa Road Loop Walk
Starting from the Urchin Campsite (3 km along Kaimanawa Road), the Kaimanawa Road loop walk is a 20-minute circuit through beech and kamahi forest above the Tongariro River. It is an easy walk suitable for families and gives a good sense of the native forest character of the park without committing to the longer Tree Trunk Gorge route.
The Wider Park
Beyond the short walks, Kaimanawa Forest Park contains extensive back-country territory including the Kaimanawa Wilderness Area, multi-day tramping routes, and the upper Tongariro River. The park is known for its deer and hunting opportunities, and the beech forest is characteristic of high-altitude North Island forest. The Tree Trunk Gorge Track (a 5 km one-way route to Urchin Campsite) is the main longer option for day walkers and mountain bikers in the accessible part of the park.
What Visitors Say
“The Pillars of Hercules is one of those places that stops you in your tracks — a beautiful narrow gorge with the river roaring through it, viewed from a swing bridge. Ten minutes from the road and completely worth it.”
Where to Learn More
DOC – Urchin Campsite to Pillars of Hercules — official track information for the Pillars of Hercules walk and Urchin area tracks.
Love Taupō – Kaimanawa Road Short Walks — visitor overview of the accessible short walks in the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kaimanawa Forest Park?
The park is south-east of Turangi. The main access point for short walks is Kaimanawa Road, 15 km south of Turangi on State Highway 1 — approximately 55 km south of Taupō.
How long is the Pillars of Hercules walk?
Approximately 10 minutes return from the carpark 2 km along Kaimanawa Road. The walk climbs through kamahi forest to a suspension bridge over the gorge.
Is there an entry fee for Kaimanawa Forest Park?
No — the short walks and access are free. The Urchin Campsite may have a fee — check the DOC website for current camping fees.
What is the Pillars of Hercules?
A narrow gorge in the Tongariro River carved through ancient lava flows. The river passes through a 40-metre suspension bridge viewpoint — an impressive geological feature accessible on a 10-minute return walk.
Can I mountain bike in Kaimanawa Forest Park?
Yes — the Tree Trunk Gorge Track (5 km one-way between Tree Trunk Gorge Road and Urchin Campsite) is a popular mountain biking route through the beech forest.
Kaimanawa Forest Park is one of the less-visited natural areas accessible from Taupō. The Tree Trunk Gorge Track is the longer walking and biking route through the same park. See the Taupō walking tracks hub for more options.