Further information The track information in this brochure was correct at the date of printing, but facilities and services Waitomo and can change. For more information, visit the DOC website at www.doc.govt.nz or contact: King Country tracks Maniapoto Area Office 78 Taupiri St Waikato Te Kuiti New Zealand Tel: +64 7 878 1050 Fax: +64 7 878 1051 Email:
[email protected] Pureora Field Base 198 Barryville Rd Pureora (off State Highway 30) Te Kuiti 3987 Tel: +64 7 878 1080 Fax: +64 7 878 1081 Waikato Conservancy Office Level 5, 73 Rostrevor St Hamilton Tel: +64 7 858 1000 Fax: +64 7 858 1001 Email:
[email protected] Suggestions for corrections or improvements should be emailed to:
[email protected] Published by Publishing Team Department of Conservation Wellington | PO Box 10420 New Zealand | June 2011 Contents Introduction Introduction 1 The Waitomo and King Country region is a magical place. Getting there 1 Sculptured limestone outcrops, gorges and natural bridges Limestone landscape 2 emerge through lush, green native forest, while underground, Speleothems 2 a world of ancient limestone formations and cave networks are The King Country 3 home to glowworms, subterranean rivers and waterfalls. This booklet describes the walking and tramping tracks managed Enjoying the outdoors safely 4 by the Department of Conservation (DOC) where you can Track classification 4 experience this unique limestone landscape—from the easy Please remember 4 walks around Waitomo to the longer tramping tracks in the Essential gear 4 Tawarau and Whareorino Forests. Track markers 5 River crossings 5 Getting there Dogs owners—please note 5 Waitomo is just under 1 hour’s drive from Hamilton via State Walks around Waitomo 6 Highway 3; it is 3 hours from Auckland, New Plymouth, Rotorua and Taupo.