For more serious hikers, the 80-kilometre mountain range to the west of Tauranga that separates the Bay of Plenty from the Waikato, provides everything from half-day walks to multi-day treks. The district council and DOC publish an excellent brochure, Short Walks of the Bay of Plenty which features 19 tracks taking from 30 minutes to 21 hours to walk.
One of the best known is the Tuahu Kauri Walk to one of the biggest remaining kauri trees in the region. It begins at the end of Hot Springs Road, just south of Katikati, and takes 40 minutes return. The track is an old Maori route that was also used as a bridle track. There are also Day Walks and Long Walks brochures available from DOC’s office.
DOC Ranger (07) 578 7677. www.doc.govt.nz, or visit Tauranga DOC office at 253 Chadwick Road West, Greerton
