Aongatete: Forest Trails and Swimming Spots

Aongatete combines short loops through lowland forest with a longer walk, streams and natural swimming spots. The trails differ significantly in the time they take: the Nature Trail takes 15 minutes, the Short Loop one hour, while the Long Loop takes about half a day. You can plan your stay around either a short nature walk or a longer day of hiking.

Short loops through lowland forest

The Aongatete Nature Trail is a 15-minute loop and is 640 metres long as a return walk. Information panels cover the layers of the forest, the geology of the Kaimai Range, and conservation and pests. This short loop combines a manageable trail with insights into the landscape and its features.

The Aongatete Short Loop Walk runs through lowland forest and bushland. It is 2.2 kilometres as a return walk and takes one hour; the trail is easier and well formed. When comparing the two loops, you can choose between a shorter circuit with information panels and a longer route through forest and bushland.

The Long Loop: half a day of hiking

The Aongatete Long Loop Walk is an approximately half-day hike through lowland forest. The return walk is listed as taking 3.5 hours and covering 6.4 kilometres. Trail features include short, moderately steep sections and stream crossings. Crossings can be dangerous during or after heavy rain; stream conditions can change after rain. Check local conditions before setting out.

Four Aongatete walking trails start near the education centre. The trails at Aongatete pass through puriri and kohekohe forest along the Aongatete Stream. This gives the different loops a shared landscape, even though their duration and character vary.

Swimming spots and connection to the North South Track

The Aongatete Link Track leads to natural swimming spots and can be used as an alternative route to the North South Track. The swimming spots reached via the Link Track are about 45 minutes or 1.7 kilometres from the car park; walking time may vary depending on conditions. The Link Track reaches the North South Track about an hour from the car park. Conditions on the onward route can also change.

The Aongatete Link Track can be slippery in wet weather; sturdy footwear with good grip is recommended. River and swimming conditions vary with the weather. When planning, you can decide whether the swimming spots or the connection to the North South Track is your main goal, and take the relevant trail conditions into account.

A different experience: Matahui Tasting Experience

The Matahui Tasting Experience in Aongatete adds a different activity to the trails. The tasting includes three premium gins and three liqueurs, as well as a miniature cocktail. This lets you add a tasting experience to your trip plans rather than focusing your stay solely on forest trails and river scenery.

Choose accommodation to suit your day’s plans

The longer Long Loop and the weather-dependent stream and swimming conditions call for different day plans than the short Nature Trail. Your search can therefore reflect the experiences that are actually most important to your trip.

Discover more destinations: Pukehina, Lower Kaimai, Katikati, Paengaroa, Te Puke, Waihi Beach, Athenree, Papamoa

For the broader travel overview: Western-Bay-Of-Plenty-District.