Waihora Lagoon in Pureora Forest Park
Waihora Lagoon is an interesting destination within Pureora Forest Park. After a brief walk through a forest featuring both regrowth and ancient trees, you will reach a boardwalk leading to a rain-fed lagoon encircled by kahikatea trees. On calm days, if the pool is full, the lagoon reflects its surroundings perfectly, creating a picturesque scene.
Navigating the Challenging Access Road
Reaching Waihora Lagoon is not straightforward. The 11 km access road is poorly maintained, with large potholes, making it challenging to navigate without a four-wheel drive. The road is not clearly marked on maps; it appears only as a track on Topo NZ and is absent from Google Maps. Although there is a road sign for Waihora Lagoon on the highway, it can be difficult to spot if you are driving at the speed limit.
Seasonal Changes and Best Time to Visit
The lagoon can dry up during summer, and it can take several months to refill even after substantial rainfall. Despite this, the grassy meadow surrounding the lagoon remains attractive when the water is low. For the best experience, consider visiting in mid to late spring, when the chances of the lagoon being full are higher.
If you encounter difficulties with the road or the lagoon's water level, the Arohaki Lagoon in Whirinaki Forest offers a similar experience with a better-maintained access road.
Starting the Waihora Track
The Waihora Track begins at the car park located at the end of the access road. This track also connects to the multi-day Hauhungaroa Track, offering further exploration opportunities within the park.
Getting to Waihora Lagoon
The access road to Waihora Lagoon starts on State Highway 32. To reach the turnoff, follow the highway from the Waikato River at Whakamaru to the north, or the junction with State Highway 40 from the south, which connects Taumaramnui and Turangi.
There are other options for exploring Puerora Forest, including the main entrance off Barryville Road to the Timber Trail, the Totara Walk and the Link Road.
