10 October 2026
Cloudy periods. Isolated showers developing around midday, becoming confined to the ranges in the evening. Light winds.
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1 / 3Kaimanawa Forest Park
Urchin Campsite to Pillars of Hercules
A family friendly short walk starting from Urchin Campsite at the end of Kaimanawa Road.
Distance
1.5 km
Walking time
30 min
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
Allowed — check local rules
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Taupo forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 10:55 am
11 October 2026
Occasional rain clearing to fine in the afternoon. Westerlies developing for a time in the afternoon and evening.
12 October 2026
Showers becoming isolated in the morning but remaining cloudy. Northwesterlies developing before dawn.
13 October 2026
A few showers. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
14 October 2026
Mostly cloudy with a few showers developing in the morning. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Urchin Campsite to Pillars of Hercules on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
Kaimanawa Forest Loop Walk (20 mins return)
A gently sloping, easy loop walk through beautiful native bush. There is a notable variety of forest types to be found on this short walk. Start across the road from the campsite.
Urchin Campsite to Pillars of Hercules (30 mins one way)
This is a pleasant walk which takes you through kamahi forest and provides views of the spectacular ravine from a 40 m long suspension bridge. The Pillars of Hercules is a deep gorge with a complex history of formation. The river has eroded a narrow channel through ancient lava flows (350,000 years and older) of andesite and ignimbrite rock. Return on the same track, or along the road.
Huts and campsites
Urchin campsite is a free campsite which is managed by DOC. There is no water at this campsite, so either bring your own, or fill up from the stream.
Getting there for Urchin Campsite to Pillars of Hercules
The tracks begin at the Urchin campsite which is located 3km along Kaimanawa Road. Kaimanawa Road is off SH1, 15 km south of Turangi. 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 Urchin Campsite to Pillars of Hercules
Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit.
Before you walk Urchin Campsite to Pillars of Hercules
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.