Wharepuhunga: Hiking Between Forest and Grassland

Wharepuhunga lies in the northern foothills of Pureora Forest Park. Real Native is located in this landscape and offers a practical starting point for multi-day hikes with the 3-Day Walk. The 3-Day Walk covers 39 km of selected tracks, including narrow bush trails, open grassland tracks and forested sections beneath a dense canopy. The landscape alternates between open terrain and forest.

Hiking options and types of stays

The 3-Day Walk offers route options ranging from 10 to 18 km. Real Native’s Winter Wonder offers a different setting: during a two-day exclusive stay at Puniu Lodge or Shepherds Rest, you can choose from three tracks, each 5 to 12 km long, which can be explored from the respective accommodation. The two distance ranges partly overlap, so the length and setting of your stay also matter when planning a holiday together. Check the current Winter Wonder offer again before booking.

Special stops along the way

The Real Native route includes visits to the historic Fencers Hut, the Māori Terraces and the Deer Sanctuary. The 3-Day Walk also offers the opportunity to visit a historic fortified pā site. Alongside the varied landscapes, these historic places may also be of interest when planning your hike.

One distinctive natural feature is the Buried River, an underground section of Mangatutu Stream on the Real Native route. A well-marked detour bypasses the Buried River and rejoins the main track. Access to this route is included as part of the booked walk. This is a useful distinction to bear in mind when considering the route.

Leveson’s Loop provides access to 250 hectares of private, untouched native rainforest. This access is also via the booked walk. Alongside open grassland tracks and forested sections, the forest is another factor to consider when choosing between the different hiking options.

Nature and getting your bearings in the surrounding area

In the surrounding area, Mangatutu Stream is designated for artificial fly fishing from its source to Lethbridge Road Bridge. The designation applies to a specific section of the stream. If you’re planning a fishing trip, check the current regulations and access conditions again beforehand.

Mangatutu Stream Reserve is a separate point of reference. It is accessed after 20 km along Wharepuhunga Road, via a turn-off onto Duncan Road; there are no formed tracks from the access point. Check conditions and track markers before setting off. This helps distinguish information about the reserve from the well-marked detour around the underground Buried River on the Real Native route.

Arrival at Real Native begins at 10 a.m. with a meet-and-greet at the Red Woolshed. The site is accessible only via a private gravel road; check the arrival and access information again before driving. On the Real Native route, the trail follows the Puniu River to the accommodation for the first overnight stay. The meeting point, access road and overnight stop provide further guidance when planning your stay.

Culture in the wider Otorohanga District destination

Beyond its hiking trails, the wider Otorohanga District destination also has cultural attractions. The Ed Hillary Walkway in Ōtorohanga connects Maniapoto Street with Wahanui Crescent and the historic Ōtorohanga Railway Station. The walkway features murals, corrugated iron kiwi sculptures and Kiwiana display modules. The modules on the Digital Sir Ed Hillary Walkway Tour showcase aspects of New Zealand popular culture, its icons, heritage and well-known figures. Also in the Otorohanga District, Ngā Whare Taonga o Ōtorohanga includes a collection of historic pioneer buildings. Te Waonui o Tãne in the complex houses a partially carved waka and local Māori artefacts.

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