198 Village Road, Bennydale-Barryville, Waitomo
The Field Base is on the border of Pureora Forest Park. It is open on weekdays only but there are outdoor displays describing the park's walks and other attractions. As native forests became scarcer by the 1960s and 70s, more New Zealanders became aware of the need to protect them. Pureora became the focal point for a conflict between locals whose livelihoods depended on logging, and those who wanted to protect the forest for future generations to enjoy.
One of New Zealand’s most significant conservation battles took place at Pureora in 1978, when protestors perched on treetop platforms near the site of the present-day forest tower. Their actions led to the end of native forest logging in Pureora. The former logging tracks are now used for walking, camping, mountain biking and hunting. Pest control has revived the health of the park.
Pureora village is the starting place for the 85km cycle 'Timber Trail' which ends at Ongarue in the south. The spectacular trail passes through ancient forest over high suspension bridges and along part of the historic Ongarue Tramway. The walking trail is part of Te Araroa.
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