Rimu Walk next to Ohakune
At the base of Ohakune Mountain Road, just inside Tongariro National Park, the Rimu Walk offers a peaceful loop through native forest. It’s an easy 15-minute stroll among tall rimu trees, mossy undergrowth, and birdsong, ideal for families, or anyone with limited time wishing to explore an ancient forest. Located next to Ohakune, the track is a relaxed way to explore the southern edge of the national park and pairs well with other short walks in the area.
Towering Rimu and a Living Forest
This compact loop winds beneath some of the largest native trees in the area. Towering rimu rise above a lower canopy of māhoe and kāmahi, while thick northern rātā vines twist through the forest like scaffolding. Interpretive signs along the path explain how this forest developed over centuries. The trail also features moss-covered logs, ferns, and damp soil that hint at the cool, temperate climate of this part of the North Island.
Birdlife here is active, especially in the morning. You may hear or see pīwakawaka darting between branches, the high-pitched call of riroriro, or korimako foraging in the undergrowth.
Track Conditions and Connections
The Rimu Walk is a loop of around 800 metres and takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete at a relaxed pace. The track surface is compact gravel and mostly flat, making it suitable for pushchairs. The walk begins with a short bridge over the Mangawhero Stream, then loops through native forest before returning to the same point. Several wooden benches are placed along the way.
If you're keen to extend your walk, the Rimu Walk connects directly to the Mangawhero Forest Walk. This longer loop continues further into the bush and closer to the stream, taking about 45 minutes to complete.
How to Get There
From Ohakune township on State Highway 49, take Goldfinch Road north. This becomes Mangawhero Terrace, then Ohakune Mountain Road as you cross the railway crossing, and the entrance to the Rimu Walk and Mangawhero Forest Walk car park appears on the left. A short path in a grass reserve leads to the start of the walk at the picturesque Mangawhero Stream. Ohakune is about one hour from Whanganui via State Highway 4, two hours from Taupō, and just over four hours from Auckland and Wellington.
There are several other short walks nearby to explore. The Mangawhero Forest Walk can be combined with the Rimu Walk for a longer loop through forest, which also includes the Mangawhere Campsite. Further up the road towards the Turoa Skifield is the Waitonga Falls Track, a shorter section of the multiday Round the Mountain Track. The Mangawhero Falls can also be seen a little further up the road.
