| Pirongia Forest Park | |
| Photo Width: | 200 |
| Map: | New Zealand |
| Relief: | 1 |
| Map Alt: | New Zealand relief map |
| Label: | Pirongia Forest Park |
| Label Position: | right |
| Location: | North Island, New Zealand |
| Nearest Town: | Pirongia |
| Coordinates: | -37.9833°N 181°W |
| Established: | 1971 |
| Governing Body: | Department of Conservation |
Pirongia Forest Park is a protected area 30 km southwest of Hamilton, New Zealand. It covers [1] across four blocks of land - Pirongia (the largest), Te Maunga O Karioi Block, and the small Mangakino Block and Te Rauamoa Block. The park encompasses Mount Pirongia west of Pirongia and Mount Karioi near the coast southwest of Raglan.[2] Wairēinga / Bridal Veil Falls Scenic Reserve is located nearby, but is separate to Pirongia Forest Park.
Prior to colonisation Ngāti Apakura, Ngāti Hikairo and Ngāti Māhanga occupied most of the current area of the Forest Park. A small area to the north east (see map of lands) was included in the 1865 confiscation area. That boundary now largely defines the area remaining as bush.[3] The remaining area remained in Māori ownership until the summit area was bought in 1900 and further purchases and donations were added to the area until the Park was declared in 1971. The Public Reserves, Domains, and National Parks Act, 1928[4] allowed the Pirongia and Wainui Domain Boards to buy land in 1932.[5] A scenic reservation of 2183acres, including 1700acres purchased with help from the Bruce Trustees, was declared in 1937.[6] Later additions to the Park were Karioi in 1976 (after which the area was 14306ha) and Tapuwaeohounuku (also proposed to be named Te Rauamoa Block and formerly State Forest 56, of about 7462acres), on either side of Kaimango Rd, in 1984.[7]
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 podocarp forest of rimu, totara, kahikatea and tawa with a dense understorey rich in tree ferns. Pirongia Forest Park lies at the natural southern limit of kauri forest. Towards the south of the forest park, the forest increasingly contains beech.
The forest is inhabited by many native bird species such as kererū, tūī, bellbirds, fantails, morepork, and silvereyes, as well as rarer birds such as grey warblers, tomtits, and the occasional kākā.
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]