Looking for some outstanding Tramping, Hunting and Walking Opportunities? Your search ends at Tararua Forest Park. This reserve offers a great scenic delight both to the natives of Wellington, Wairarapa, Horowhenua & Manawatu and Tourists. Tararua Forest Park comprises more than three-quarters of Tararua Range. They extend from the Pahiatua Track in the north to the Rimutaka Saddle in the south.
Established in 1954, Tararua is the first forest park created to preserve the natural heritage of the North Island. Since then it has considerably grown in size. This also makes it apparently North Island's largest conservation park managed by DOC.
Sitauted at the Wellington region, Tararua is a place to enjoy the best of rural and rugged New Zealand. Its spread over an area of 116,535 Hectares and its highest peak is called Mitre. The reserve is managed and safeguarded by the Department of Conservation (DOC).
It's a home to a few rare New Zealand native birds. DOC has launched projects which aim to enshrine species like rats, stoats and possums from the threats imposed by the pets and human activities.
DOC safeguards the biodiversity of region. The Tararua Range's forests, Sub-Alpine Shrub-Lands, Snow Tussocks and soil too help a great deal in preserving the water quality of the area. It also assists in minimizing the probability of flood in the nearby lowlands.
Tararua provides a whole lot of enjoyable activities and attractions. The best part about this particular reserve is no matter how the weather is like; Tatarua is always full of adventure and fun.
The Recreational Activities in Tararua Forest Park include Short walks, day trips, tramping, sight seeing, camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, river trips, walking rafting and kayaking.
Following are a few short walks one can enjoy in the park :
Paradise Shelduck, Pipit, Spur-Winged Plover, Welcome Swallow, Rifleman, Whitehead, Tomtit, Grey Warbler, Fantail, Tui, Bellbird, Kereru, North Island Kaka, Yellow-Crowned Parakeet, Morepork, Skylark, Karearea, Long-Tailed Bat, Short-Tailed Bat, Snail, Giant Kokopu, Short-Jaw Kokopu, Brown Mudfish, Torrent Fish, Koaro, Red Deer, Goat and Possum.
The main entrances to the Tararua Forest Park are as follows :
Nearest Town: Carterton
Nearest Airport: Wellington
Nearest Railway Station: Carterton
Accommodation: Tararua Forest Park has several DOC campsites and DOC huts fro the visitors.
Tel: +64 (0)6 376 1023
