Tararua Forest Park

Can you feel the wildness? The untamed energy of Tararua Forest Park thrums beneath our feet. It whispers through the dense canopy overhead. Tararua Forest Park isn’t just a park. It’s a sprawling wilderness, a 115,000-hectare sanctuary carved into the heart of the Tararua Range. This rugged landscape was New Zealand’s first Forest Park, established in 1954. It’s a testament to the raw beauty and untamed spirit of this land. The Department of Conservation, or DOC, is the guardian of Tararua Forest Park. They work tirelessly to preserve this precious ecosystem. Tararua Forest Park encompasses over three-quarters of the Tararua Range. The park’s boundaries stretch northward from State Highway 2, inviting adventurers to explore its depths. Imagine reaching the highest point in the park, the summit of Mitre. At 1571 meters above sea level, the panoramic view would be breathtaking. Did you know there is a challenging route called Shorman’s-Kaitoke that spans almost the entire Tararua main range? This 80-kilometer trek with its 7,000 to 8,000 meters of ascent and descent is not for the faint of heart. It’s a true test of endurance. A popular challenge for Wellington trampers is to complete the route in under two days. For those seeking a less strenuous adventure, an alternative route follows the valleys. This path traces a fault line, the surface trace of the Wellington Fault, offering a gentler exploration of the park’s beauty while avoiding the exposed mountaintops. Tararua Forest Park is a place of extremes. The winds at higher elevations can be ferocious, stronger than in many other parts of New Zealand. So, if you venture into the heights, be prepared for nature’s raw power. The park is also home to Project Kākā, a DOC initiative aimed at restoring native flora and fauna. This project uses a variety of methods, including aerial drops of 1080 poison, to control pests like rats, stoats, and possums. The goal is to create a haven for native birds. The results have been encouraging, with a significant increase in bird calls recorded in the project area. But the battle is ongoing. Rat populations have shown a remarkable ability to rebound, highlighting the constant challenge of conservation. As you stand at the edge of Tararua Forest Park, remember this is more than just a collection of trees and mountains. It is a living, breathing testament to the power of nature. It is a place of challenge and reward. A place where the wild things roam, and the wind whispers stories of resilience and survival.