Murupara lies on the edge of Kaingaroa Forest, while the Rangitāiki River flows through the town. Travel interests include marae and swimming pools in Murupara, as well as forest trails and nature destinations in the surrounding area. When planning your accommodation, it is worth distinguishing between these locations.
Marae and cultural experiences
Rangitahi Marae belongs to Ngāti Hui o Ngāti Manawa. Its intricately carved wharenui is named Apa Hāpai Take Take. The marae welcomes visitors for cultural experiences. There are four marae in and around Murupara in total; the town itself also offers an opportunity to learn about the Māori way of life. This invitation to cultural experiences refers to Rangitahi Marae.
The Rangitāiki River and swimming pools
The Rangitāiki River flows through Murupara and offers opportunities for fishing and kayaking. Nearby, the Rangitāiki also offers kayaking opportunities for experts. If you are interested in fishing access to the river system, you can reach it from Murupara via Kiorenui Road off SH38. A sign at the intersection with Wheao West Road indicates the fishing access; forest access conditions can change.
Murupara Aquatic Centre is available for recreational swimming, school groups and swimming lessons. As seasonal operating arrangements can change, it is recommended that you check current opening hours before visiting. The swimming pools have a longer history: they opened in 1965 with a paddling pool, and the 33-metre main pool followed in 1968. The pools are also known as the A.H. Lynd Memorial Baths.
Forest trails and nearby destinations
Kaingaroa Forest covers 2,900 km² and is the largest plantation forest in the Southern Hemisphere. Planting began in the early 20th century; the forest extends beyond the area around Murupara. This is distinct from the original native rainforest in nearby Whirinaki Forest. There, Whirinaki Forest Footsteps offers a tour with 12 km of trails. It begins with a Mihi Whakatau, a welcome, and a Karakia, a prayer. Tour highlights include visiting a 1,000-year-old Tōtara tree and learning about plants used in natural medicine. The tour concludes with hot Kawakawa tea at the car park in the forest.
A shorter trail option is the Loop Track to River at Whirinaki Recreation Camp, south of Murupara: the 1 km loop through native forest is listed as taking 30 minutes. In summer, it provides access to swimming in the Whirinaki River. Track conditions can change after severe weather; check them before setting out. By comparison, the trails on the Whirinaki Forest Footsteps tour cover 12 km and combine rainforest with cultural and botanical tour content.
Murupara is one of the western towns closest to Te Urewera. Nearby Te Urewera National Park and Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne offer opportunities for wilderness hiking, hunting and fishing. Another place to stay in the surrounding area is Aniwhenua Reserve on Lake Aniwhenua, 13 km north of Murupara. There is an overnight campsite there; as its operation can change, check current availability before travelling.
Consider location when planning your stay
If you are looking for a holiday rental, choose its location according to the destinations you plan to visit: the marae, Aquatic Centre and Rangitāiki River are in Murupara; the Loop Track is to the south, and Aniwhenua Reserve is to the north. For Whirinaki Forest Footsteps, the tours in nearby Whirinaki Forest are relevant. This lets you distinguish between destinations in town and in the surrounding area without assuming they are all in the same location.
For journeys around the area, also take note of the road connection between Murupara and Tuai. It is about 90 km long and unsealed. It can be difficult for lower-clearance vehicles; a 4WD/SUV is recommended.
Regional context
In the wider Whakatane District, Te Urewera makes up about 40 percent of the district's 4,400 km². Murupara's location among the western towns closest to Te Urewera gives this regional context a specific connection to the town.
Discover more destinations: Nukuhou, Taneatua, Minginui, Ohope, Edgecumbe, Matata, Awakeri, Whakatane.
For the wider travel overview: Whakatane District.
