Last updated June 2026
The Mangorewa Ecological Area protects one of the few remaining stands of unlogged lowland podocarp forest on the Mamaku Plateau, about 20 kilometres north of Rotorua. Managed by the Department of Conservation, the reserve safeguards mature rimu, kahikatea, tawa and tree ferns that once covered much of the plateau before widespread logging. The Mangorewa Track offers experienced trampers a day walk through dense native bush between streams, with an optional return along the Mangorewa Stream bed when water levels are low.
Practical Information
| Location | SH36 (Tauranga Direct Road), 20 km north of Rotorua |
| Managed by | Department of Conservation |
| Track | Mangorewa Track — day walk through forest and optional stream bed; experienced trampers only |
| Entry | Free |
| Dogs | Not permitted |
| Car park | On SH36 just before the bridge; track entrance 500 m north, requiring careful road crossings |
| Facilities | Car park only; no toilets on site |
About Mangorewa Ecological Area
The Mangorewa Ecological Area lies on the western side of State Highway 36 and preserves a fine example of lowland forest that escaped the logging that cleared most of the Mamaku Plateau during the twentieth century. The reserve protects the species mix and scale of trees typical of pre-European Waikato–Bay of Plenty lowland forest, providing an important reference point for the original ecosystem.
The Tauranga Direct Road itself has historical significance. Formed in 1869 as part of a central North Island military road linking Napier, Taupo, Rotorua and Tauranga, the Rotorua–Tauranga section once took ten hours by coach. A watering trough from that era remains nearby.
Tapuika iwi historically occupied the area, using the streams and forests as sources of food and places of sanctuary. DOC manages the ecological area to prevent further disturbance and support natural regeneration.
The Mangorewa Track
From the track entrance the route leads directly to the Ohaupara Stream. Walkers cross the stream several times before climbing to a ridge, then descend for about an hour to a small stream. A further climb reaches an open area, followed by a half-hour walk to the Mangorewa Stream. The return can follow the same route or continue down the Mangorewa Stream bed to the car park, a section that takes approximately three hours and is suitable only for experienced trampers when river levels are low.
The stream-bed section requires sturdy tramping boots, extreme care on slippery rocks, and avoidance of deep potholes. Walkers should leave the river bed via the right bank just before the road bridge. The full route is a demanding day walk best attempted in good conditions with proper preparation, including warm clothing, raincoat, first-aid kit, food, water and navigation tools.
Access involves careful crossings of the busy SH36. The car park sits on the left just before the bridge at the bottom of the gorge. The track entrance lies 500 metres north; pedestrians must cross the road twice while walking north against traffic and again after the second bridge.
Ecological and Cultural Significance
Mangorewa represents one of the last intact examples of Mamaku Plateau lowland forest. Protection allows natural processes to continue and provides habitat for native flora and fauna. Dogs are not permitted to safeguard ground-nesting birds and the reserve’s ecological integrity.
The area also holds cultural importance for Tapuika, whose traditional use of the streams and forests continues to be recognised in management.
What Visitors Often Say
Walkers describe the track as a rewarding but challenging day tramp through beautiful mature native forest, with the stream-bed section adding variety when conditions allow. Many note the need for good boots, river-crossing skills and awareness of slippery rocks.
Reviewers highlight the sense of walking through a rare remnant of pre-logging forest and appreciate the quiet, remote feel, while stressing that the route suits experienced trampers rather than beginners.
Where to Learn More
DOC — Mangorewa Track: official track description, access details and safety advice.
DOC — Mangorewa Ecological Area: conservation background and area overview.
AllTrails — Mangorewa Track: user reviews, photos and GPS track information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Mangorewa Ecological Area?
On SH36 (Tauranga Direct Road), 20 km north of Rotorua. The car park is on the left just before the bridge; the track entrance is 500 m north, requiring careful road crossings.
How long is the Mangorewa Track?
It is a full-day walk for experienced trampers. The forest section leads to the Mangorewa Stream, with an optional three-hour return along the stream bed when water levels are low.
Is the track suitable for beginners?
No. The route suits experienced trampers only. The stream-bed section involves slippery rocks, multiple crossings and deep potholes, and is passable only in low water.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dogs are not permitted in the Mangorewa Ecological Area.
Is there a fee to enter?
No. Entry is free.
Are there toilet facilities at Mangorewa?
There is a car park but no toilet facilities on site.
What should walkers bring?
Strong tramping boots, warm clothing, raincoat, first-aid kit, food, water, hat, sunscreen and navigation tools. Leave intentions with a responsible person.
When is the stream-bed section safest?
Only when river levels are low. Walkers must exercise extreme caution on wet, slippery rocks and avoid deep potholes.
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