Waiwhero Forest
Name |
Waiwhero Forest |
Location |
Ngatimoti |
Co-ordinates |
1595096 5440510 |
Alternative co-ordinates |
1593479 5442346 |
Configuration |
Network |
Distance |
8 km |
Status |
Off-leash |
Grade |
Easy-Moderate |
Access |
Take Edwards Road off the Moutere Highway ca. 9 km north of Upper Moutere; at the end turn left on Waiwhero Road and continue for ca 3 km. Walk starts on small track on right (ca 400 metres after summit); park before the gate. Alternative access is from Motueka Valley Highway, ca 6 km north of junction with Waiwhero Road (beside sawmill). |
Description |
A series of loop walks, and there-and-back offshoots, through commercial forest, giving lots of off-leash space for the dogs. Recent felling (2022) and earlier wind damage (2019) means that some areas aren't as nice as they used to be, but there's lots to choose from. |
Connecting tracks |
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Further information |
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Waiwhero Forest is a large area of planted pine forest that follows the low ridgeline on the east side of the Motueka River. Little known outside the local community, it offers a great network of cycle ways and tracks that wind up and down the hillside, giving the occasional glimpse of the surrounding farmland. There is nothing official to state that the paths are dog-friendly, but plenty of people exercise their dogs there - so it's safe to assume that it is. De facto, it also seems to be off-leash. However, it's also a popular horse-riding area, so if your dog's not equine-friendly keep an eye on it, or keep it on a lead.
There are several entries to the forest, but the best marked, and the one that is easiest to access, is on Waiwhero Road, which can be accessed either from Ngatimoti or from the Moutere Highway via Edwards Road (see map). Within the forest, there are at least 15 km of tracks, which offer three main loop walks with lots of options for variation and extensions. The shortest loop takes about 20-30 minutes; the middle loop about 40 minutes, and the outer circuit over an hour. The cycle ways also provide additional options - though since these are intended for off-road cycling, make sure that you give priority to anyone on a bike. Streams in the forest are few and far between, though there are a few areas of wetland where the dogs might find a drink. The trees, however, give good shade, so even on as hot summer's day, this is a cool place to walk. |
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