Te Puke brings together a range of discoveries: a four-kilometre walking and cycling trail, a climbing tower shaped like a kiwifruit vine, and the opportunity to visit a working kiwifruit orchard. The Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway starts and finishes at the Hera Memorial. This makes the trail length, activity and start and end points clear for planning.

Trails and special details in Te Puke

The Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway is a four-kilometre walking and cycling trail in Te Puke. Along the trail, information panels stand at three locations: at the Hera Memorial, at the trail junction near Tinkerbell’s Garden, and at the entrance to the old cemetery on Landscape Road. Those exploring the trail will encounter these points at different sections, rather than only at the start and end points.

In Jubilee Park, another detail stands out: a six-metre-high rope climbing tower shaped like a kiwifruit vine. The kiwifruit theme appears in Te Puke in other ways, too. Visitors can visit a working kiwifruit orchard, while the climbing tower draws on the theme in its design. These are two distinct ways to get to know the place.

A loop trail near Te Puke

In the area surrounding the destination, the 60-minute loop trail along Te Raparapa-ā-hoe Stream passes through a narrow, densely forested gorge. Mature tawa forest grows along the trail. The trail also reaches a large pool at the foot of a three-metre waterfall. This offers a choice between two trail options described in different ways: the Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway is four kilometres long, while a walking time of 60 minutes is given for the loop trail by the stream.

More experiences in the Western Bay of Plenty District

The following examples are in the wider destination of the Western Bay of Plenty District and extend the view beyond Te Puke. In Katikati, a loop walk in the town centre leads from Haiku Park along paths where haiku verses are carved into the rocks and paving. It runs alongside the Uretara Stream, crosses a footbridge to Uretara Landing, then follows the main road past murals and other artworks in the town centre. Individual installations may change.

The Orokawa Bay Walk starts at the northern end of Waihī Beach. It follows coastal headlands to Orokawa Bay; the walk takes about 45 minutes each way. The trail passes through dense bush with pōhutukawa, kauri and puriri trees, as well as native nīkau palms. Orokawa Bay is part of a 145-hectare scenic reserve. Tides and swell affect access and should therefore be taken into account when planning.

For another regional perspective, the Katikati Cuisine Trail gives visitors the chance to meet local artisan food producers and sample their products on site. Producers and offerings may change. Alongside trails and art, the district offers an insight into local food production.

Discover more destinations: Waihi Beach, Pyes Pa, Papamoa, Pukehina, Paengaroa, Katikati, Te Puna, Aongatete.

View the broader travel guide: Western Bay of Plenty District.