About Kaharoa
Where is Kaharoa?
About the Kaharoa Conservation Area
The Forest
Where is Kaharoa?
Kaharoa is a rural area about 30km north-east of Rotorua. In
pre-European times it was occupied by Ngati Rangiwewehi, a Te
Arawa tribe. Many old pa sites testify to their occupation.
 The Kaharoa Conservation Area is about 30 km by road,
north-east of Rotorua City. Access is gained off the end of
Kapukapu Road via Kaharoa Road, which runs off the Tauranga
Direct Road. Kapukapu Road is unsealed for about 2km at the far
end. A carpark and shelter with interpretive panels are located
at the end of the road.
About the Kaharoa Conservation Area
The Kaharoa Conservation Area is a rugged piece of Crown land
about half way between Rotorua and Te Puke as the crow flies.
Covered in native forest, the conservation area is bounded by
steep gorges. It is home to a remnant population of kokako,
which is protected through the work of the Kaharoa Kokako Trust.
The Trust draws much of its support from the rural community of
Kaharoa that surrounds the conservation area.
From 1989-1997 the block was part of a major research project by
the Department of Conservation and Landcare Research. This study
showed for the first time that predation by possums and ship
rats was the main cause of kokako decline. This breakthrough
research provided valuable information that has enabled groups
like the Kaharoa Kokako Trust to protect the birds.
Kaharoa now contributes to the national recovery of kokako
nationwide by providing birds for translocation to other
protected areas. To help save kokako at Kaharoa, contact the
Kaharoa Kokako Trust.
The Forest
The forest was purchased by the Crown in 1896 and selectively
logged during the mid-1900s. It contains a complex of rewarewa (Knightia
excelsa) dominated forest, with a mosaic of regenerating kamahi-tawa-tanekaha-podocarp-makomako
scrub and forest. The forest is considered to have high
botanical values.
Ongoing pest control has not only helped the kokako at Kaharoa.
Vegetation has also noticeably improved, particularly ground
cover and low level shrubs. There is also a marked reduction in
tree mortality due to possum browse.
 The Kaharoa Conservation Area is comprised of three
distinct blocks: Kaharoa Forest, Onaia West and Onaia East. The
total area under management is 705ha.
Read about the Kaharoa Kokako Track, which takes you on a pleasant bush walk to the Onaia Stream... Kaharoa Kokako Track [121 Kb PDF] |
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