Discover Tree Trunk Gorge Track
Tree Trunk Gorge Track is a fabulous forest walk near the southern boundary of the Kaimanawa Forest Park. It begins on Tree Trunk Gorge Road off the Desert Road (State Highway 1). It follows the Tongariro River through forested valleys and volcanic bluffs, before cutting away from the river and ending at the Urchin Campsite. You can then connect to the shorter Pillar of Hercules to Urchin Campsite Track to extend the walk.
The Track Experience
This 4.7 km one-way route takes about 1.5 hours. Starting from Tree Trunk Gorge, the track roughly follows the river, and you can easily access the river after 1.3 km. After this, the track climbs 100 metres and heads away from the river with stream crossings. It then follows a stream before crossing over and looping back to the Urchin Campsite. The forest is beech and kamahi forest typical of the region.
Getting There
From Tūrangi, drive 15 km south on the Desert Road and turn left onto sealed Tree Trunk Gorge Road. The track starts near the river bridge, and there is plenty of parking. Make sure you walk back to the bridge and check out Tree Trunk Gorge, which the bridge crosses.
Nearby places include Waikato Falls, Beggs Pool, Kaimanawa Road Campsite and the Waikoko Campsite. For a more substantial tramping experience, you can also access the Umukarikari Track and Mt Urchin Trig Track, which take you deeper into the mountains in Kaimanawa Forest Park.
