Waiuku Forest in the Waikato offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities for the public. Find out about public access and how recreational groups can book events in the forest.
Following the collapse of trees and a bank beside the estuary in the southern side of Waiuku Forest the road is not safe for vehicles. Accordingly, the southern entrance (Ghezzie Road) is closed to all vehicle access with immediate effect. Assessment work to re-align this section of the road is underway. Further updates, when available, will be posted on this page.
Waiuku Forest is located on the west coast of Waikato District, south-west of Auckland city. It borders the Tasman Sea and the northern shore of the Waikato River.
The forest is part of the Crown's forestry estate and is managed by Crown Forestry. Commercial operations include the mining of iron sand by New Zealand Steel for the Glenbrook Steel Mill. Other activities include forestry and livestock grazing.
Recreational opportunities in the forest include horse trekking, walking, picnicking, and fishing. Parts of the forest can be booked by approved recreation groups for club events such as orienteering and car rallies.
Hunting and camping overnight are not permitted in Waiuku Forest. During periods of high fire danger, the forest may be closed for public access. Updates will be posted on this web page.
The use of chainsaws within the forest is strictly prohibited due to the extreme risk of accidents at all times, and fire risk during summer.
The forest opens at 7am and closes at 6pm every day.
It is important that vehicles use formed roads and avoid using tracks created by off-road vehicles.
Pay attention to the new signs which highlight the risk of dying trees along the coastal boundary. The risk of falling trees can climb during periods of high wind or rain.
The forest has a network of unsealed roads, walking tracks, and trails. The Waiuku Forest map shows the locked gate entrances, roads and parking, horse and walking trails, and fishing and picnic areas. There is no public access to the areas used for mining and forestry operations.
Download the Waiuku Forest map [PDF, 1.9 MB]
You can access the northern end of the forest at the Wilson Road gate.
The Ghezzie Road gate provides access to the southern end of the forest and the Waikato River.
Approved recreational groups can make a booking to use parts of the forest for certain activities.
Calendar of events [PDF, 97 KB]
To book an event, you must be an approved recreational group.
Approved recreational user groups and authorised key holders [PDF, 135 KB]
If you want to check your recreational group is eligible and approved to use the forest for your event, contact Crown Forestry – email crown.forestry@mpi.govt.nz
Once you're an approved user you can book an event. First, check the events calendar to see if the date for your event is available. Bookings can be made up to 12 months in advance.
The conditions of key pick-up, access, and use of the forest are listed on the event application form. Complete the form and return it to Crown Forestry.
Download the event application form [PDF, 155 KB]
Send your completed form to:
Approved recreational groups, who have permission to run an event in Waiuku Forest, can collect a gate key from the Waiuku Information Centre. The key gives them access to areas within the forest for the duration of their event.
The key must be signed out by a person named on the list of authorised key holders.
Location
Waiuku Information Centre
2 Queen Street
Waiuku
Phone: 09 235 6231
Opening hours
Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 3pm (June to October)
Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm (November to May)
Waiuku Forest was established by the former Public Works Department in 1932 as a protection forest to prevent the spread of sand onto adjacent farmland. Marram grass was planted to stabilise the sand, then tree lupin to provide nutrients and shelter for the pines, which were first planted in the 1930s.
In 1966, the Crown entered into a 100-year mining licence with New Zealand Steel Limited to extract iron sand. Trees are cleared before mining can start so a large area of the forest is not planted and is unavailable for public access. Once mining is complete over an area, mine tailings are re-spread and the area replanted.
The forest is the subject of a Treaty of Waitangi claim by local iwi Ngāti Te Ata.
To help us look after Waiuku forest we would appreciate your help in reporting any unsafe or suspicious activities you see.
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