Erua: Timber Industry History and Nature in the Surrounding Area

In Erua and its immediate surroundings, routes through the landscape meet traces of the timber industry’s history. The Marton Sash and Door Trail passes through Erua and by remnants from that era. Historic sites and reserves add to the picture. When planning, you can consider cycling, local history and nature as separate areas of focus.

Timber Industry History and Historic Sites

The Marton Sash and Door Company operated timber extraction and sawmills in Waimarino (National Park) and Erua from 1925 to 1957. Remnants from this era lie along the Marton Sash and Door Trail: remains of wooden bridges, a small timber dam, pumice cuttings and rail iron. The loop thus combines a specific activity with visible traces of the former timber industry.

In the immediate surroundings, the Marton Sash & Door Company sawmill site includes remnants of dismantling benches, engine blocks, a Dutch oven, a movable water tank, rails laid in the ground, a loading bench and a vat for treating timber with preservatives. These features reveal different aspects of the former operation, from processing and transport to timber treatment.

About five kilometres south of Erua, on State Highway 4, lies the Makatote Tramway. It is a private historic site, Category 2, and is not open to the public. Its significance is connected with the early years of the timber industry on the central North Island. The Makatote Viaduct is a separate site: it can be seen from roadside viewing points on State Highway 4 between Pokaka and Erua, as well as from Makatote Scenic Reserve.

Cycling Loop and Nearby Routes

The Marton Sash and Door Trail is a short, pleasant cycling loop suitable for most age groups and fitness levels. It passes through Erua’s distinctive landscapes and by remnants of the timber industry. Local conditions can change; check the current route conditions before setting out.

The nearby Tupapakurua Falls Walk offers a different kind of route. It starts on Fishers Road in National Park Village, passes through Erua Forest to Taranaki Lookout, and then continues to the viewpoint overlooking Tupapakurua Falls. The focus is therefore different: the Marton Sash and Door Trail is a cycling loop through Erua, while this walk leads to viewpoints in the surrounding area. Check current track conditions before setting out.

Nature and Getting Your Bearings

Ngātokoerua Scenic Reserve, in the immediate surroundings of Erua, is home to significant populations of the endangered North Island brown kiwi and whio, also known as the blue duck. Wildlife is a different focus from the industrial remnants: here, the emphasis is on two native bird species and their protected habitat.

The main access points to Ngātokoerua Scenic Reserve include Erua Road and Fishers Track behind Waimarino. The reserve also offers hunting opportunities for red deer, fallow deer, pigs and goats. If you are planning a hunt, check current permit and safety information beforehand; road conditions can also change.

Within the settlement is Erua Recreation Reserve, a 4.0469-hectare historic reserve administered by Ngāti Hāua. It is a distinct point of reference within the Town of Erua, while Ngātokoerua Scenic Reserve and the Makatote sites are in the immediate surroundings. This distinction helps prevent local landmarks and excursion destinations from being confused.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Matiere, Raurimu, Raetihi, Owhango, Retaruke, Kakahi, Ohakune, Whakapapa Village

For the main travel overview: Ruapehu District.