Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park

The Kaimai Range and the Mamaku Plateau make up the 45,000ha Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park. The park separates the coastal Bay of Plenty and the rolling hills of the Waikato farmland.

In ancient times the Kaimai Mamaku Range was a Noah's Ark for plants, riding high above icy seas. In more recent times, Maori settlers formed tracks through the range, hunted in its subtropical forest and used its plants for food and medicine. Later Europeans used the bush in much the same way but they also milled its mighty trees and dug into the hillside for gold.

The park marks the northern boundary for the red and silver beech. It is also the southernmost limit of the majestic kauri.

Entry to the park and its 300kn of walking tracks is free. Huts, shelters and picnic areas have been developed for camping, hunting, education and bushwalking.