198 Village Road, Bennydale-Barryville, Waitomo

Pureora Field Base and The Timber Trail

Waitomo Walks

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.

Saved The Drama of Conservation: The History of Pureora Forest, New Zealand: 2015

Features

  • Green

Location

Directions

Nearby this Place

Explore

Featured Nearby

Nearby Walks

Ongarue Tramway and Spiral - Waione Tram Mountain Bike Track

Ongarue Tramway and Spiral - Waione Tram Mountain Bike Track

14.9 km 1

View
Waihora Lagoon

Waihora Lagoon

20.0 km 3

View
Mapara Wildlife Reserve

Mapara Wildlife Reserve

27.6 km 1

View
Mangaokewa Reserve

Mangaokewa Reserve

36.4 km 2

View

Featured Nearby

You May Also Like

Tapuwae
Tapuwae

Kopaki-Tiroa, Waitomo

17.1 km