Last updated October 2026
The Tuhoto Ariki Trail is a shared walking and mountain biking track through the native forest of Whakarewarewa State Forest Park, starting from Tawa, the highest point in Whakarewarewa Forest at 765 m.
Built by the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club, it was designed for both riders and walkers, and it passes through native bush you won’t see on the rest of the Whakarewarewa trail network.
DOC grades it as an Advanced tramping track for walkers, allowing about 1 hr 30 min, and Grade 4 for mountain bikers, allowing about 40 min. The track is about 5 km one way. The trail is about 8 km from Rotorua.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Tuhoto Ariki Trail on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Top of Tawa Road, the highest point in Whakarewarewa Forest (765 m)
- Forest entrance
- Waipa Mill car park, off State Highway 5 south of Rotorua
- Distance from the city
- about 8 km from Rotorua
- Walking time
- 1 hr 30 min
- Riding time
- 40 min
- Track length
- About 5 km one way
- Grade
- Advanced tramping track; Grade 4 mountain biking
- Dogs
- No Dogs
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Tuhoto Ariki Trail
Tuhoto Ariki heads into native bush in the Whakarewarewa State Forest Park, surroundings DOC says you won’t see on the rest of the Whakarewarewa trail network. That makes it a different kind of outing from the rest of the network, for walkers and riders alike.
The track starts high, at Tawa, so a lot of it runs downhill. DOC warns not to be fooled by the height you start with, though: this is a true cross-country track with some technical climbs as well as long downhill stretches.
The trail is named after Tuhoto Ariki, the respected and feared Tuhourangi tohunga (priest) who predicted the Mount Tarawera eruption.
Because it is shared, walkers should keep an ear out for riders coming downhill.
Mountain Biking and Sharing the Track
Tuhoto Ariki is a shared-use track. DOC asks everyone to follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track. DOC also has a map of its mountain bike trails in Whakarewarewa Forest, which is worth looking at before you go.
Getting There
Head south from Rotorua on State Highway 5. About 1 km past the city limit, on the left, is Waipa Mill, the entrance to Whakarewarewa Forest. DOC notes that shuttles run to the start of many of the forest’s trails.
To ride from the Waipa Mill car park, follow Waipa State Mill Road, which becomes Hill Road, for 5.5 km until Moerangi Road appears on your right. Follow Moerangi Road for 1 km, then turn left onto Tawa Road. After 2.5 km you reach the highest point in the forest and the start of the track.
Check DOC before you go, tell someone your plans, and use Plan My Walk to prepare.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Tuhoto Ariki Trail: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Whakarewarewa State Forest Park: the park’s other tracks, trail maps and alerts.
Plan My Walk: plan your trip, check the weather and track alerts, and share your plans with someone you trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Tuhoto Ariki Trail take?
DOC allows about 1 hour 30 minutes on foot, or about 40 minutes on a mountain bike.
How hard is it?
It is graded as an Advanced tramping track for walkers and Grade 4 for mountain bikers. There are long downhill sections, but also some technical climbs.
Where does it start?
At the top of Tawa Road, the highest point in Whakarewarewa Forest. The forest entrance is at Waipa Mill, off State Highway 5 south of Rotorua.
Can I walk it, or is it only for bikes?
Both. It was built as a dual-use track for walkers and mountain bikers, so watch out for riders and follow the mountain bikers code.
Who is the trail named after?
Tuhoto Ariki, the Tuhourangi tohunga who predicted the Mount Tarawera eruption.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC’s rule for this track is No Dogs.
Is there a shuttle?
DOC says shuttles are available to the start of many of the trails in Whakarewarewa Forest.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.