Pirongia Forest Park

Pirongia Forest Park is a protected area 30 km southwest of Hamilton, New Zealand. It covers 167.7 square kilometres (64.7 sq mi)[1] across four blocks of land - Pirongia (the largest), Te Maunga O Karioi Block, and the small Mangakino Block and Te Rauamoa Block. The park encompasses Mount Pirongia west of Pirongia and Mount Karioi near the coast southwest of Raglan.[2]
Waireinga/Bridal Veil Falls Scenic Reserve is also in the area, but is separate to Pirongia Forest Park.

Pirongia Forest Park
Native bush in Pirongia Forest
Pirongia Forest Park
LocationNorth Island, New Zealand
Nearest townPirongia
Coordinates37°59′S 175°6′E
Area16,773.4 hectares (41,448 acres)
Established1971
Governing bodyDepartment of Conservation

Flora and fauna

The park's climate is mild and wet, with humid summers and temperate winters. The area around Mount Pirongia receives over 2,400 mm of rain per year. Most of the park is covered in podocarp forest of rimu, totara, kahikatea and tawa with a dense understorey rich in tree ferns. Pirongia Forest Park lies at the natural southern limit of kauri forest. Towards the south of the forest park, the forest increasingly contains beech.

The forest is inhabited by many native bird species such as kererū, tui, bellbirds, fantails, morepork, and silver-eyes, as well as rarer birds such as grey warblers, tomtits, and the occasional kaka.

Kahikatea, tallest native tree in NZ

Recreation

The park contains several short walks as well as longer bush tramps leading to the summits of both mountains. Popular walks are the Nikau Track, also suitable for cycling, and a walking track to the Kaniwhaniwha Caves, two small limestone caves. A longer track, following the Bell Track, leads to the tallest kahikatea tree. This 66.5 m tall tree is the tallest recorded native tree in New Zealand.[3] The Bell Track continues to the Mount Pirongia summit, which is also accessible via other tracks.

Recreational hunting is encouraged, as it controls introduced wild animal populations such as goats. Brown trout can be found in the Kaniwhaniwha Stream. Permits/licenses are required for both activities.

Accommodation options are three free campsites, a lodge, and a hut near the summit of Mount Pirongia.[4]

See also

References
  1. "Data Table - Protected Areas - LINZ Data Service". Land Information New Zealand. Retrieved 2017-10-18.
  2. "Pirongia Forest Park". Department of Conservation, New Zealand. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  3. "Features of Pirongia Forest Park". Department of Conservation, New Zealand. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  4. "Places to stay in Pirongia Forest Park". Department of Conservation, New Zealand. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
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