The Mokaihaha Ecological Area is a 2,000-hectare block of podocarp-tawa forest on the Mamaku Plateau, situated about 9.6 kilometres south-east of Mamaku township and roughly 30 kilometres from Rotorua. The area is managed by DOC as a significant ecological reserve — the forest is dominated by massive rimu, tawa, and tree ferns, and the Mokaihaha kōkako population was, before conservation management began in 2015, the only viable unmanaged kōkako population left in the country. The Mokaihaha Track follows an old logging tramway through the heart of the forest.
Practical Information
| Location | South Road, Mamaku — 9.6km SE of Mamaku township; ~30km from Rotorua via SH5 and Dansey Rd |
| Managed by | Department of Conservation |
| Track | Mokaihaha Track — approximately 7.4km; 2–2.5 hours; moderate |
| Entry | Free |
| Prohibited | No dogs, horses, vehicles (including bikes and motorbikes), fires, or removal of plants/animals |
| Getting there | From Rotorua: SH5 north for 1km, left onto Dansey Rd to Mamaku, left onto South Rd by Mamaku School |
The Mokaihaha Track
The Mokaihaha Track follows an old logging tramway through the reserve — the same route once used to extract timber from this forest — now reclaimed by native bush. The track is approximately 7.4 kilometres in length, rated moderate, and takes two to two and a half hours. The terrain follows the tramway’s relatively gentle grade, making the walking more manageable than the length suggests, though tree roots and wet sections are common.
The forest along the track is dominated by rimu reaching considerable heights, tawa, and a dense understorey of crown ferns and tree ferns. Walking through Mokaihaha gives a clear sense of the scale of podocarp forest that once covered the Mamaku Plateau. The old tramway route means the track passes through some of the densest parts of the reserve — areas the loggers targeted and then left when extraction moved elsewhere, allowing this block to survive.
Kōkako at Mokaihaha
Mokaihaha holds a kōkako population that is now actively managed through the Mokaihaha Kōkako Trust, a community conservation group working alongside DOC. Before 2015, this was the only population in the country surviving without intensive predator control — demonstrating the forest’s quality as kōkako habitat even under pressure. The trust has since brought in systematic trapping and monitoring, which has supported population recovery.
Kōkako are heard more often than seen, but the Mokaihaha forest is one of the places in the Rotorua region where a patient, early-morning visit gives a genuine chance of encountering them. The distinctive organ-like call carries long distances through the forest and is usually the first indication that birds are present in the area.
Where to Learn More
DOC — Mokaihaha Ecological Area — official reserve information, track access, and area overview.
Mokaihaha Kōkako Trust — community conservation group managing kōkako recovery at Mokaihaha, with monitoring updates and species information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Mokaihaha Ecological Area?
On South Road, Mamaku — from Rotorua, take SH5 north for 1km, turn left onto Dansey Road to Mamaku, then left onto South Road by Mamaku School. The reserve is 9.6km south-east of the Mamaku township.
How long is the Mokaihaha Track?
Approximately 7.4km in length, rated moderate, taking around 2–2.5 hours. The route follows an old logging tramway through the podocarp forest.
Are dogs allowed?
No — dogs, horses, mountain bikes, motorbikes, and fires are all prohibited in the Mokaihaha Ecological Area. The restrictions protect the kōkako and other forest-dwelling species.
Can I see kōkako at Mokaihaha?
Sightings are possible, particularly on early morning visits. The kōkako’s call is distinctive and often heard before the bird is seen. The Mokaihaha population is now actively managed by the Mokaihaha Kōkako Trust, and numbers have been improving.
Is entry free?
Yes — the ecological area is free to visit.
Mokaihaha is one of two ecological areas near Rotorua managed for kōkako habitat. See also the Kaharoa Conservation Area guide for another kōkako reserve accessible from the city, and the Rotorua parks and reserves guide for other outdoor destinations.
