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Walking, equestrian and mountain biking

Walking, equestrian and mountain biking information

See below for further track information.

Walking Tracks

The Te Rerenga Tunnel Track is a popular 3.2km medium grade loop track. The track takes about 1.5-2 hours to complete, starting from the Arrival Centre car park, winding through mature pine forest and the bush clad gully of the Te Rerenga Stream. The gully is reasonably steep but the track is well formed with stairs on steeper sections. The trail follows the Te Rerenga Stream on the gully floor, over a series of boardwalks.

To begin the ascent you enter a 60m tunnel, dug in the early 1930's using a pick, shovel and wheel barrow over a period of about 3 years, to divert the Te Rerenga Stream under the Tauranga/Rotorua road (SH36), that was being built at the time. Glow worms can often be found on the tunnel roof and cave weta inhabit the crevices and holes. Remember - glowworms don't like too much noise!

A short climb goes to Peterson's Camp, where Mr Peterson and his road crew lived during the tunnel construction. The trail follows the creek bed and breaks in to cutover forest before once again entering a mature pine forest, and following Weld Road back to the start of the trail, at the Arrival Centre car park.

There are slippery sections and stairs, so good footwear is essential. It's useful to have a torch to navigate the tunnel and always take a jacket for protection, as the wind and rain can be very chilly at this elevation.

The Lost Tank Track is a 1km return, flat native bush track, located near the mountain bike car park.

Equestrian Tracks

Many of the equestrian and mountain bike tracks in the park are shared with hikers, including the 10 km Buffalo Girl Track. Please take care and respect the rights of other users.

Mountain Bike Tracks

The Buffalo Girl Track is a 10km return, intermediate to advanced dirt track, primarily designed for mountain biking. This can also be used for walking and running. Please take care and respect the rights of other track users. It is best that walkers and runners avoid the Uno and Mickey Mouse Track.

The Uno Track is 1.8km and is an easy grade.

The Mickey Mouse Track is about 200m long, designed for beginners and young families, and is very flat.

A Park Map can be found on the Maps Page.

For possible track closures, please check the Home Page or the Park Facebook page, prior to visiting the Park.

Toilets

Public toilets can be located at the Arrival Centre and the KiwiCamp facility located by the main entrance to the park. This is also by the start/end of the Te Rerenga Tunnel Track. There are also toilets located at the equestrian and mountain bike area.

Track Closures

Please check the Alerts Page for any closure updates.

Further Information

07 571 8008 tectpark@westernbay.govt.nz