Mātaitai Forest

Deep within the Hunua Ranges, east of Auckland, lies the Mātāitai Forest Conservation Area. Mātāitai Forest isn’t large, just a few hundred hectares. But it holds a special place in the hearts of many, particularly the Manukau Tramping Club. Back in 1976, a group of enthusiastic trampers formed the club. They were responding to a call from the National Council for Sport and Recreation. The club’s first trip was to the Wairoa Gorge in the Hunuas. Over the years, they explored closer to home, seeking hidden gems in their own backyard. Mātāitai Forest became one of those treasures. The Manukau trampers delved into its history, speaking with neighboring farmers. They researched the area’s kauri logging past. They discovered old logging roads and the magnificent kauri trees the loggers had spared. They even secured permission to tramp across adjacent farms and private forests, now part of the Mātāitai conservation area. Their dedication is acknowledged by a Department of Conservation sign at the Ness Valley Road entrance. It recognizes the club’s adoption of the area, their construction and marking of tracks, and their ongoing maintenance. The club’s different-colored trail markers make navigating the forest relatively easy. A typical loop might involve steep climbs and descents, traversing the block’s three ridge-and-valley systems. It’s a good workout, but the rewards are worth it. The regenerating bush is incredibly diverse. Dense stands of young kauri trees reach for the sky. Ancient puriri trees drop their blossoms onto the forest floor, attracting tui birds with their sweet scent. In the stream grottos, majestic nikau palms create a tranquil atmosphere. From the northernmost ridge, a breathtaking panorama unfolds. Farmland stretches out below, leading the eye towards Duders Regional Park, the Hauraki Gulf, and Waiheke Island. Mātāitai Forest offers a rich and rewarding experience. It’s a testament to the dedication of the Manukau Tramping Club and a reminder of the hidden beauty waiting to be discovered in the Hunua Ranges.