Kaimanawa Road short walks

Highlights include stunning native bush with views of the Tongariro River below.

These easy short walks starting from the Urchin campsite will each take you 20 - 30 minutes.

The tracks begin at the Urchin campsite which is located 3km along Kaimanawa Road. Kaimanawa Road is off SH1, 15 km south of Turangi.

Kaimanawa Forest Loop Walk

A gently sloping, easy walk through beautiful native bush. There is a notable variety of forest types to be found on this short walk.

Urchin Campsite to Pillars of Hercules

A pleasant walk through kamahi forest with views of the Tongariro River below. Return via same track, or along the road.

The Pillars of Hercules:This deep gorge has a complex history of formation. The river has eroded a narrow channel through ancient lava flows (350,000 years and older) of andesite and ignimbrite rock.

You can view the spectacular ravine from a 40 m long suspension bridge, which you can reach via the walking track, or alternatively from the car park 2 km along Kaimanawa Road.

This feature is even more spectacular from the air as the Tongariro River can be seen to suddenly narrow as it passes through this chasm.