10 October 2026
Mostly cloudy, with the odd shower developing in the afternoon. Northeasterlies developing early afternoon.
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1 / 16Pirongia Forest Park
Kaniwhaniwha: Kahikatea tree
Walk to the tallest recorded native tree in New Zealand.
Distance
12 km
Walking time
6 hr return
Difficulty
Advanced
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Pirongia track closures
Pirongia track closures
Weather outlook
Waikato forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 5:00 am
11 October 2026
A few showers. Northeasterlies, turning northwesterly in the morning.
12 October 2026
Showers before dawn, some heavy, then increasing fine breaks. Northerlies, dying out in the evening.
13 October 2026
A few showers, some possibly heavy. Northwesterlies.
14 October 2026
A few showers. Northwesterlies developing.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Kaniwhaniwha: Kahikatea tree on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Kaniwhaniwha: Kahikatea tree
From the Kaniwhaniwha car park, follow the Nikau Walk to Bell Track. Past the Kaniwhaniwha Caves the track becomes undulating, with some uneven ground and muddy sections along Blue Bull Stream up to the swingbridge. Don't cross the swingbridge but continue upstream for 10 minutes beyond the bridge to the kahikatea tree with its distinctive buttressed trunk. At 66.5 m, this is the tallest recorded native tree in New Zealand. The Bell Track continues to the summit across the swingbridge. See Pirongia summit via Bell & Tahuanui Tracks .
Huts and campsites
Kaniwhaniwha Campsite (opens in browser)
Getting there for Kaniwhaniwha: Kahikatea tree
Access this track from 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 10.6 km on the right. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Kaniwhaniwha: Kahikatea tree
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Before you walk Kaniwhaniwha: Kahikatea tree
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.