For Activity & Attraction operators in Opotiki click here.
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Hukutaia Domain
Woodlands Road, Opotiki
Heading out of Opotiki township turn left after crossing the Waioeka Bridge (heading west) on to Woodlands Road and drive 7km to very near the end where you will find the Hukutaia Domain sign.
The Hukutaia Domain is 5 hectares of extensive native forest that was set aside as a reserve by one of the original owners Mr E.M. Hutchinson in the early 1900's.
An estimated 2000 to 2500 year old giant Puriri tree is a highlight for visitors to the Domain. Being hollow the tree was used as a resting place for the bones of Distinguished Dead of the Upokorehe Iwi (Tribe). The tree named Taketakerau was highly tapu (Sacred). Local resident Marnie Anstis has written a book entitled The Millennium Tree which is based on the life of Taketakerau.
The Domain is owned by the Opotiki District Council and looked after by a care group with generous help from the Opotiki District Council and Environment Bay of Plenty.
Marawaiwai Scenic Reserve
7 km south-east of Opotiki. Turn off SH2 onto Warrington Rd, then onto Harrison Rd.
Marawaiwai Scenic Reserve is a Department of Conservation Reserve.
The forest and the small raupo wetland support many common bush birds and the occassional kereru. Some native plant species along the track have names and information alongside them.
Dogs, horses, vehicles (including bicycles and motorbikes), fires, removal of plants or animals, camping or hunting are not permitted.
View information on the Marawaiwai Walking Track here.
Waioeka Gorge Scenic Reserve
SH2 between Opotiki and Gisborne
The Waioeka Gorge is maintained by the Department of Conservation. There are spectacular bush and river views here and excellent opportunities for hunting, tramping, picnics, swimming, canoeing, rafting and fishing.
The Gorge cuts through ranges of steep-sided hills rising from 400 metres near the coast to 1000 metres inland. The hard yet brittle greywacke has been showered with volcanic ash and pumice over thousands of years. Vegetation includes canopies of tawa, rimu, miro, totara and nikau palms, together with cover of fern, manuka and kanuka.