H Tree Track. Whirinaki Forest. New Zealand.
S 38° 38.430 E 176° 42.295
60H E 474319 N 5723074
This walking track, designed for people with impaired mobility, winds along a loop through stunning forest scenery in the Whirinaki Forest near Minginui. The track is a suitable grade and width for wheelchair/mobility scooter access.
Waymark Code: WMGQQN
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 04/01/2013
Views: 3
Accessible by powered mobility devices and wheelchairs, this wide forest track has a natural hard packed surface with only gentle uphill sections suitable for people with mobility impairments. How refreshing to find a bush walk so far away from civilization that enables those with mobility scooters to get out into the forest and enjoy the pleasures that we so often take for granted.
We have walked the track and noted its easy, smooth surface would be ideal for those people in wheelchairs or on mobility scooters. Along the track at interesting features are informative panels, making this a wonderful location for disabled people to visit on a day trip.
The walking track is named after the H Tree, a special Rimu tree formed when the tree's branch grew into the trunk of a younger tree, forming a letter H. All along the 45 minute loop track through the dense forest there are information panels at different locations providing interesting facts and photos.
This stunning forest is dominated by towering examples of kahikatea, totara, matai, rimu, miro and much tawa. Birdlife includes rare species, especially the whio (blue duck), North Island kaka, red and yellow crowned kakariki, kiwi and kereru.
Early mornings and late afternoons are great times to see and hear the many native birds, including kaka.
Access: Whirinaki Forest Park is 90 km south-east of Rotorua. The track is reached via Minginui Road, off te Whaiti Road (old SH 38), then via Old Te Whaiti Road and Old Fort Road to the Old Fort Road car park.
Accessibility Activity: Forest walking trail designed for mobility impaired.
Time available: Always available.
Group providing the activity: Department of Conservation.
Website for more information: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
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