Pirongia Forest Park
Pirongia Forest Park | |
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Department of Conservation |
Pirongia Forest Park is a
History
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c5/Map_of_lands_included_in_Pirongia_Forest_Park_at_its_establishment_in_1971_and_the_date_each_section_was_set_apart_as_State_Forest_land.jpg/220px-Map_of_lands_included_in_Pirongia_Forest_Park_at_its_establishment_in_1971_and_the_date_each_section_was_set_apart_as_State_Forest_land.jpg)
Prior to colonisation
Flora and fauna
The park's climate is mild and wet, with humid summers and temperate winters. The area around Mount Pirongia receives over 2,400 mm of rain per year. Most of the park is covered in
The forest is inhabited by many native bird species such as
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/82/Tallest_kahikatea%2C_Pirongia_Forest_-_portrait_panorama.jpg/170px-Tallest_kahikatea%2C_Pirongia_Forest_-_portrait_panorama.jpg)
Recreation
The park contains several short walks as well as longer bush tramps leading to the summits of both mountains. Popular walks are the Nikau Track, also suitable for cycling, and a walking track to the Kaniwhaniwha Caves, two small limestone caves. A longer track, following the Bell Track, leads to the tallest kahikatea tree. This 66.5 m tall tree is the tallest recorded native tree in New Zealand.[8] The Bell Track continues to the Mount Pirongia summit, which is also accessible via other tracks.
Recreational hunting is encouraged, as it controls introduced wild animal populations such as goats. Brown trout can be found in the Kaniwhaniwha Stream. Permits/licenses are required for both activities.
Accommodation options are three free campsites, a lodge, and a hut near the summit of Mount Pirongia.[9]
See also
- Forest parks of New Zealand
- Protected areas of New Zealand
References
- ^ "Data Table - Protected Areas - LINZ Data Service". Land Information New Zealand. Retrieved 2017-10-18.
- ^ "Pirongia Forest Park". Department of Conservation, New Zealand. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
- ^ a b c Martin Fisher (28 April 2014). "The Environmental Management of Pirongia Forest Park with a focus on the period since 1970".
- ^ "Kaniwhaniwha Stream, Waikato". NZ Topo Map. Retrieved 2023-09-02.
- ^ "s.39 Public Reserves, Domains, and National Parks Act 1928 (19 GEO V 1928 No 36)". www.nzlii.org. Retrieved 2023-08-31.
- ^ "Department of Lands & Survey. Annual Report on Public Domains & National Parks of New Zealand. Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 1932. Retrieved 2023-08-31.
- ^ "Department of Lands & Survey. Scenery Preservation. Report for the year ended 31st March, 1937, Together with Statement of Expenditure and Schedule of Lands Acquired & Reserved during the year under the Scenery Preservation Act. Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 1937. Retrieved 2023-08-31.
- ^ "Features of Pirongia Forest Park". Department of Conservation, New Zealand. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
- ^ "Places to stay in Pirongia Forest Park". Department of Conservation, New Zealand. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
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