Last updated November 2026
Tuahu Kauri sits within Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park in the Kaimai Ranges, offering visitors a chance to see a mature kauri tree via a short side track from the main Tuahu Track. The area lies at the end of Hot Springs Road, just south of Katikati off State Highway 2.
The main Tuahu Track forms an east-west crossing of the ranges that has been used since the 1890s. A brief detour reaches the kauri, while the longer route continues across the range with river crossings and summit views.
The park is managed by the Department of Conservation and features native forest, historic routes, and lookouts such as Sentinel Rock. Check DOC’s alerts before you go.
Practical Information
- Location
- End of Hot Springs Road, south of Katikati, Bay of Plenty
- Access
- Car park at end of Hot Springs Road off SH2
- Track type
- Tuahu Track: advanced tramping track, 11.9 km one way, 5 hours
- Tuahu Kauri detour
- The side track leaves the Tuahu Track about 20 minutes from the car park
- Sentinel Rock Lookout
- 5.4 km return, about 5 hours, from the Tuahu Kauri junction; advanced tramping track
- Facilities
- None at trailhead; consult topographic map
- Important notes
- River crossing on Tuahu Track; clean footwear to prevent kauri dieback; no mountain biking
- Dogs
- Not permitted on tracks
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Tuahu Kauri
The Tuahu Track begins at the car park at the end of Hot Springs Road and follows an historic route across the Kaimai Ranges.
A short side track leads to the Tuahu Kauri, a mature stand of kauri trees that includes one of the largest remaining in the Bay of Plenty region. The main track continues with a stream crossing and climbs toward the summit, where it meets the North South Track.
Beyond the summit the route sidles along the western escarpment, providing views over the Waikato plains and Killarney Lakes before descending through pine forest toward Wairakau Road. The full crossing is rated an advanced tramping track and requires good preparation, including a topographic map.
The Sentinel Rock Lookout Track branches from the Tuahu Track near the kauri trees. It involves a steep climb along a ridge to a viewpoint overlooking the rock outcrop and surrounding valleys. The old route directly onto Sentinel Rock itself is considered unsafe and should not be used.
Kauri dieback hygiene is essential. Visitors must clean footwear before and after entering kauri areas and stay on formed tracks to help protect the trees from the soil-borne pathogen.
Tuahu Kauri Side Track
The short side track to the Tuahu Kauri leaves the main Tuahu Track after about 20 minutes of walking, according to the district council. It reaches a platform that allows close viewing of the large kauri without disturbing the root zone.
The tree stands as a remnant of the once extensive kauri forests that covered the ranges. Return the same way to rejoin the main track.
Sentinel Rock Lookout
The Sentinel Rock Lookout Track is a much bigger outing than the walk to the kauri. It is signposted off the Tuahu Track at the Tuahu Kauri, about 25 minutes from the Hot Springs Road car park, and follows a steep, undulating ridge to a viewpoint of the isolated rock outcrop and the wider valley.
DOC classes it as an advanced tramping track and allows 5 hours for the 5.4 km return trip, steep climb included. You return the same way, and no dogs are allowed.
Sentinel Rock stands on its own east of the main Kaimai Range, and the track ends at a view of it, not on top of it: the old route onto the rock itself should not be used.
Start early enough to be back before dark. Take a topographic map, food, water and warm, waterproof layers, and use Plan My Walk to check the weather and leave your plans with someone.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation – Tuahu Track: Official track description, distances, times and safety information.
Department of Conservation – Sentinel Rock Lookout Track: Details on the side track, access and current conditions.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council: Local information on the Tuahu Kauri Track and nearby walks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the walk to the Tuahu Kauri?
The district council puts the side track to the kauri platform about 20 minutes from the car park at the end of Hot Springs Road, so allow about 50 minutes return.
Is the full Tuahu Track suitable for beginners?
No. The full 11.9 km one-way crossing is rated an advanced tramping track with a river crossing and requires good fitness and navigation skills.
Are dogs allowed on the tracks?
Dogs are not permitted on the tracks in Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park.
What should I do to prevent kauri dieback?
Clean all footwear thoroughly before and after visiting kauri areas and stay strictly on the formed tracks.
Is there a platform at the kauri tree?
Yes. A viewing platform surrounds the main Tuahu Kauri tree, allowing visitors to admire it without stepping on the root zone.
Can I continue to Sentinel Rock?
The Sentinel Rock Lookout Track branches from the Tuahu Kauri area and offers valley views, but climbing directly onto the rock outcrop is unsafe and prohibited.
Where can I find maps?
Download the Kaimai to coast brochure from the Department of Conservation website or consult a topographic map before setting out.
Is mountain biking allowed?
No. Mountain biking is not permitted on the Tuahu Track.
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