Murupara: River, Forest and Cultural Experiences

The Rangitāiki River flows through Murupara, while the town lies on the edge of Kaingaroa Forest. Rangitahi Marae also provides a specific cultural point of reference. Possible travel experiences therefore range from the river and swimming to Māori culture and forest tours.

Marae, Māori Culture and Swimming

Rangitahi Marae is in Murupara and belongs to Ngāti Hui o Ngāti Manawa. It welcomes visitors for cultural experiences. It is home to an elaborately carved wharenui called Apa Hāpai Take Take. There are four marae in and around Murupara, and the town offers a good opportunity to learn about the Māori way of life.

The Murupara Aquatic Centre is available for recreational swimming, school groups and swimming lessons. The seasonal operating hours of the Murupara Aquatic Centre may change; check the current times before visiting. Murupara’s swimming pools, also known as the A.H. Lynd Memorial Baths, opened in 1965 with a paddling pool. The 33-metre main pool followed in 1968.

River and Driving Plans

The Rangitāiki River offers opportunities for fishing and kayaking in Murupara. To access the river system for fishing, take Kiorenui Road from SH38 in Murupara; a sign at the intersection with Wheao West Road indicates the fishing access. There are also kayaking opportunities on the Rangitāiki River near Murupara for experts. As forest access conditions can change, check them in advance.

The approximately 90 km road connection between Murupara and Tuai is a gravel road. It can be difficult for vehicles with low ground clearance; a 4WD/SUV is recommended.

Forest Landscape and Tours

Murupara lies on the edge of Kaingaroa Forest. The nearby Kaingaroa Forest covers 2,900 km² and is the largest plantation forest in the Southern Hemisphere; planting began in the early 20th century. Alongside experiences in town, the extensive forest landscape is a travel attraction in its own right.

The Loop Track to River runs through Whirinaki Recreation Camp, south of Murupara: a 30-minute, 1 km circuit through native forest. In summer, it provides access to swimming in the Whirinaki River. Track conditions can change after severe weather; check the current conditions before setting out.

Whirinaki Forest Footsteps offers a tour in nearby Whirinaki Forest, with 12 km of trails through pristine native rainforest. It begins with a Mihi Whakatau, a welcome, and a Karakia, a prayer. The programme includes a visit to a 1,000-year-old tōtara and information about medicinal plants. The tour ends with hot kawakawa tea in the forest car park.

Murupara is one of the closest towns to the west of Te Urewera. Te Urewera National Park and Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne nearby offer opportunities for wilderness hiking, hunting and fishing.

Accommodation and Nearby Destinations

Aniwhenua Reserve on Lake Aniwhenua is 13 km north of Murupara and has a campground for overnight stays. As its operation may change, check before making plans. When choosing where to stay, consider whether you want to focus on Murupara’s marae, swimming pool and river, or plan to visit destinations in the surrounding forest landscape instead.

Discover more destinations: Whakatane, Matata, Minginui, Awakeri, Nukuhou, Ohope, Taneatua, Edgecumbe.

For the broader travel overview: Whakatane District.