Tunnel Gully Recreation Area

Tunnel Gully Recreation Area is part of Pakuratahi Forest, managed by the Regional Council, this spot being the access to the entire forest and boasting excellent facilities for visitors. Pakuratahi, on the opposite side of State Highway Two from her more famous sister, Kaitoke Regional Park, is actually bigger and more widely used. Visitors can even use buses or trains to get here, can then picnic, walk or mountain bike. (The train option involves stopping at Maymorn and cycling 2km along the old railway line)

One of the more popular mountain biking routes is Mount Climie, where and annual race is held. It is also an excellent 3 hour return walk with rewarding views. A shorter walk Tane's track, and another is through the Mangaroa Tunnel, which used to form part of the Wellington/Wairarapa Rimutaka railway. As well as the 260m tunnel there are other relics of the old railway days here and the streams and rivers of this future water catchment area are good for a quick but cold dip.