Access

3.6km from Matakohe and 6km from Paparoa on S.H.12, turn into Sterling Road. The start of the walk is signposted on the left by a small parking bay, 1.7km further on.

Track

The track is even but with a slight gradient. It performs a loop through the forest.

Flora

Observe forested ridges as you pass through an area of former kauri forest. There will often be a solitary large tree still occupying the ridge, left by the bushmen for the continuation of the species.

The dense stand of kauri on the hilltop has a regenerating understorey of kohekohe, red matipo and a carpet of hound’s tongue fern.

European History

At the entrance to the track is a log hauler, used to transport logs carried by teams of bullocks on primitive bush roads.

The reserve was purchased in 1954 as a memorial to the pre-World War 1 kauri bushmen. Although the industry is remembered as one of destruction and flagrant demolition of a majestic species, it was also a time of high human endeavour. Bushmen living in harsh conditions and in rugged country developed kinship and camaraderie, not to mention an affection for their environment (despite it’s plunder).