Kaimanawa Forest Park covers a large area of rugged, remote terrain south-east of Taupō, stretching into the Kaimanawa Ranges east of Tongariro National Park. It is a Department of Conservation-managed park known for tramping, hunting, and fishing — particularly for sika deer and brown trout. The park also has accessible day walks for visitors who want a taste of the landscape without multi-day commitment.
Practical Information
| Location | Kaimanawa Ranges, south-east of Taupō — main access via SH1, 10–15km south of Tūrangi |
| Entry | Free |
| Managed by | Department of Conservation |
| Hunting | Open area permit required — available free online via DOC |
| Private land access | Some main routes pass through privately-owned land — permission required |
| Day walk | Pillars of Hercules (10 min return) — from Kaimanawa Road, 15km south of Tūrangi |
About the Park
Kaimanawa Forest Park is wild country — dense podocarp and beech forest, river valleys, and ridge lines with limited infrastructure. It is used primarily by hunters, anglers, and experienced trampers who are comfortable navigating in remote terrain. The park has a number of huts maintained by DOC, including Waipakihi Hut, which serves as a destination for multi-day trips through the ranges.
The park sits adjacent to Tongariro National Park to the west and the Urewera ranges further north. The volcanic plateau landscape visible from Taupō and Tūrangi transitions into the forest-covered ridges of the Kaimanawa Ranges as you move east of SH1.
Pillars of Hercules Walk
For visitors who want a short, accessible walk into the park’s character, the Pillars of Hercules walk is a 10-minute return track from Kaimanawa Road, 15 kilometres south of Tūrangi. The track climbs steep steps to a spectacular river gorge with impressive rock formations. It gives a good sense of the park’s terrain without requiring any special equipment or navigation skills.
Hunting
Kaimanawa Forest Park is one of New Zealand’s best-known sika deer hunting areas, with red deer and limited pig hunting also available. An open area permit is required and is available free of charge online from DOC before any hunt. Some main access routes pass through privately-owned lake forest land, and access over private land requires landowner permission — check current access arrangements with DOC before planning a hunt.
Tramping
The park has several multi-day tramping routes through remote river valleys and over ridgelines. The Waipakihi Hut loop is a popular overnighter. Tracks here are not groomed walking trails — experience in off-track navigation, river crossing, and weather assessment is important. The park receives significant rainfall and conditions can change quickly.
Where to Learn More
DOC – Kaimanawa Forest Park has track information, hut details, hunting permit requirements, and access maps for the park.
DOC – Kaimanawa Forest Park Hunting covers the permit process, species present, and access details for hunters.
Love Taupō – Kaimanawa Forest Park provides an overview of activities and visitor information for the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kaimanawa Forest Park?
The park is accessed via State Highway 1, approximately 10–15 kilometres south of Tūrangi. Kiko Road provides the main inland access, reached 10km north of Tūrangi off SH1.
Do I need a permit to hunt in Kaimanawa Forest Park?
Yes. Kaimanawa is an open area requiring a free DOC open area permit, available online before your hunt.
What animals can I hunt in Kaimanawa Forest Park?
Sika deer and red deer are the primary game species. Limited pig hunting is also available.
Is there a short walk at Kaimanawa Forest Park?
Yes. The Pillars of Hercules walk is a 10-minute return track from Kaimanawa Road that leads to a scenic river gorge.
Are there huts in Kaimanawa Forest Park?
Yes. DOC maintains several huts including Waipakihi Hut, which is used by trampers on multi-day routes through the park.
Do I need permission to access Kaimanawa Forest Park?
Some access routes pass through privately-owned land. Always check current access arrangements with DOC, as permission from landowners may be required for certain entry points.
Kaimanawa Forest Park is part of the wider protected lands around Taupō. Visitors interested in more accessible walking in the region may also want to explore Taupō’s parks and reserves or the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which borders the park to the west.