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Te Whaiti Nui A Toi Canyon

Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park

Towering trees, rushing rivers, diverse habitats and a fascinating history combine to create the Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park. It's one of New Zealand's most remarkable and significant forests and a must-see biodiversity hotspot.

For a country that is so well-endowed with natural features, it’s difficult to find a forest of distinction. But one certainly exists. Whirinaki is one-of-a-kind in this land of such spectacular scenery. And it’s within easy driving distance of Whakatāne.

The park is valued as a taonga (treasure) containing the living children of Tāne Mahuta, the Māori god of the forest. Local iwi (tribe) Ngāti Whare is the active kaitiaki (guardian) of the park working with the Department of Conservation (DOC) to protect the natural, cultural, and historic resources for the benefit and well-being of future generations of Aotearoa and visitors.

The park is valued for its mixed indigenous podocarp forests including tōtara, rimu, miro, matai and kahikatea, and the richness of its species.

Local iwi (tribe) Ngāti Whare is the active kaitiaki (guardian) of the park working with the Department of Conservation (DOC) to protect the natural, cultural, and historic resources for the benefit of future generations...

The Whirinaki - majestic, primeval, ancient - stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the great forests of the world.

Spend the night in Whirinaki - majestic, primeval, ancient - stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the great forests of the world.

Cycle uncrowded trails in one of New Zealand's most beautiful and mythical forests 

Guided Tours

Te Urewera Treks provides a range of unique eco-cultural wilderness treks, bringing you a truly special guided walking experience.

Rides, Walks and Tramps

The Whirinaki Rainforest - a majestic, ancient and spiritual realm. Join us for a guided walking journey into the heart of this vast, Jurassic, podocarp rain forest. 

A shared-use track that includes an optional overnight stop at a historic hut and amazing views from the top of the Moerangi saddle.

Places to stay nearby...

Situated near the township and only a minute's walk to the Rangitāiki river. Premium and standard cabins along with powered and non-powered campervan and tent sites.

We provide onsite management of the closest self-catering accommodation to the internationally-acclaimed Whirinaki Rainforest's mountain biking and walking trails.

We offer self-contained motel accommodation along with shuttle services for mountain bikers and trampers, horse treks, guided hunting and fishing. Meals available by arrangement. 

Take the family somewhere different. Private, remote and beautifully quiet. Hunting and fishing on your doorstep. Whites Cabin is on private property and five minutes to the Te Urewera boundary.

Explore one of many tracks in the park by walking the Waterfall Loop Track with Google Streetview.

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