Last updated October 2026
The Kaituna Wetland Loop Track is a loop through the Kaituna Wetland near Te Puke, with a viewing hide that lets you get up close to the wetland.
DOC grades it Easy to intermediate and gives 1 hr 15 min for the loop. The track starts from the car park on Pah Road, just over the bridge at the northern end of Kaituna Road.
Interpretation panels along the way share facts about the Lower Kaituna Wildlife Management Reserve. It is about 20 km from Tauranga, and DOC notes that hunters use the area in the game bird season from the first weekend in May until the end of June.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Kaituna Wetland Loop Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Car park on Pah Road, at the northern end of Kaituna Road
- Distance from the city
- About 20 km from Tauranga
- Walking time
- 1 hr 15 min
- Track length
- Loop; check DOC for the distance (DOC’s page gives differing figures)
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Walking track (loop)
- Features
- Viewing hide, interpretation panels
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Kaituna Wetland Loop Track
The loop meanders through the Kaituna Wetland, part of the Lower Kaituna Wildlife Management Reserve. DOC describes the wetland as having an abundant supply of waterfowl.
The highlight is the viewing hide, where you can get up close to the wetland. Interpretation panels along the track explain more about the reserve.
Getting There
From State Highway 2, turn onto Maketu Road, then left onto Te Tumu Road and left again onto Kaituna Road. At the northern end of Kaituna Road, cross the bridge and turn right onto Pah Road, where the car park is immediately on your right.
Game Bird Hunting Season
DOC notes: “Hunters occupy the area for the game bird hunting season, from the first weekend in May until the end of June.” Keep this in mind if you plan to visit in those weeks, and check DOC before you go.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Kaituna Wetland Loop Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Kaituna Wetland: more about the wetland and reserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Kaituna Wetland Loop Track take?
DOC gives 1 hr 15 min for the loop.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Easy to intermediate.
Can I take my dog?
No dogs.
Where does the track start?
At the car park on Pah Road, just over the bridge at the northern end of Kaituna Road.
Is there a bird hide?
Yes. DOC says a viewing hide lets you get close to the wetland.
When is the hunting season?
DOC says hunters use the area from the first weekend in May until the end of June.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.