AONGATETE LODGE TRACKS

 

Walking Times

Nature Trail Loop 15 min return
Short Loop walk 1 hour return
Long Loop walk 3 hrs 30 min return
Aongatete River 30 min one way

 

The Aongatete Outdoor Education Lodge is situated within the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park at the end of Wright Rd, off SH 2 between Tauranga and Katikati. There is a car park before the gate to the Lodge and it is advisable to park here as the gate may be locked at any time. The area contains some lovely low-land podocarp-broadleaf forest with a variety of native species.

Walk up to the lodge at the start of the loop tracks, located behind the ablution block. Follow the track up past the junction with the short nature trail loop which branches to the right.

Continue on the well marked loop track until you reach a left-hand branch. The 'long loop' continues straight ahead. This is a more difficult track with stream crossings and boots are recommended. Turning left takes you around the 'short loop' , a more gentle, well graded walk. Turn left again at the next junction and continue until the edge of the bush is reached. A style crosses the fence into a paddock , which returns you to the carpark.

The Aongatete River may be accessed from a track which starts on the western side of the Lodge and may be slippery in damp conditions. A left branch off this track, about 15 min down, leads to some attractive swimming holes and is worthy of exploring.

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