Programme Overview

Walk to the tallest recorded native tree in New Zealand.

Track Overview:
12 km return via same track. Walking & tramping 6 hr return. Advanced tramping track.

Description:
From the Kaniwhaniwha car park, follow the Nikau Walk to the Bell Track. Past the Kaniwhaniwha Caves the track becomes undulating, with some uneven ground and muddy sections along Blue Bull Stream up to the swing-bridge. Don't cross the swing-bridge but continue upstream for 10 minutes beyond the bridge to the kahikatea tree with its distinctive buttressed trunk. At 66.5m this is the tallest recorded native tree in New Zealand.
The Bell Track continues to the summit across the swing-bridge. See Pirongia summit via Bell & Tahuanui Tracks.

Getting there:
Access this track from Limeworks Loop Road
From Hamilton take SH23 to Whatawhata. Turn left onto Te Pahu Road after the bridge over the Waipa River. Limeworks Loop Road is about 10.6km on the right.

For full details, see www.doc.govt.nz