Murupara: Kaingaroa Forest and Rangitāiki River

Murupara lies on the edge of Kaingaroa Forest, and the Rangitāiki River flows through the town. This gives you a range of nature and culture to consider when planning your trip: from the river and the town’s baths to forest tracks and tours in the surrounding area. Murupara is also one of the western towns closest to Te Urewera.

Culture in Murupara

There are four marae in and around Murupara. Rangitahi Marae belongs to Ngāti Hui o Ngāti Manawa and welcomes visitors for cultural experiences. It includes the intricately carved wharenui Apa Hāpai Take Take. This information relates to Rangitahi Marae and does not apply generally to all marae in the area.

Rangitāiki River and swimming

The Rangitāiki River offers opportunities for fishing and kayaking in Murupara. There are also kayaking opportunities for experts on this river in the surrounding area. Access for fishing on the Rangitāiki river system is via Kiorenui Road from SH38 in Murupara. A sign at the intersection with Wheao West Road points to the fishing access; conditions for access to the forest can change.

Murupara Aquatic Centre is available for recreational swimming, school groups and swimming lessons. Its operating hours can vary seasonally, so it’s worth checking the latest visitor information in advance. Murupara’s baths are also known as A.H. Lynd Memorial Baths: they opened in 1965 with a paddling pool, and the 33-metre main pool followed in 1968. This connects the facility’s current uses with its history without conflating the two dates.

Forest tracks and tours

Kaingaroa Forest extends beyond Murupara. At 2,900 km², it is the largest plantation forest in the Southern Hemisphere; planting began in the early 20th century. South of Murupara, the Loop Track to River is at Whirinaki Recreation Camp. The loop is 1 km long and takes 30 minutes; it passes through native forest and offers access to swimming in the Whirinaki River in summer. Track conditions can change after severe weather, so check the latest conditions before setting out.

Whirinaki Forest Footsteps offers a different scale of experience, with a tour along 12 km of tracks through original native rainforest. The tours begin with a Mihi Whakatau, a welcome, and a Karakia, a prayer. They include a visit to a 1,000-year-old tōtara and knowledge about medicinal plants; they finish with hot Kawakawa tea at the forest car park. The short loop at Whirinaki Recreation Camp and this longer tour therefore differ significantly in track length and the experiences described.

Surroundings and getting there

Nearby, both Te Urewera National Park and Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne offer opportunities for wilderness walking, hunting and fishing. These activity areas are outside Murupara. At Lake Aniwhenua, Aniwhenua Reserve has an overnight camping ground, 13 km north of Murupara. As the camping ground’s operation may change, check the latest information if you plan to include it in your overnight stay.

The approximately 90 km road connection between Murupara and Tuai is a gravel road. It can be difficult for vehicles with low ground clearance; a 4WD/SUV is recommended. Take this road information into account when planning and check the latest advisories before driving.

Discover more destinations: Matata, Edgecumbe, Whakatane, Nukuhou, Awakeri, Ohope, Taneatua, Minginui

For the wider travel overview: Whakatane District.