The Otaki Forks are a camping and trailhead area 17km east of Otaki, at the edge of the vast Tararua forest. This spot just feels good—not dramatic or heart-stopping scenery, yet a nice feel of, “hey, we’re way out into the bush.” Otaki Forks revels in wide-open views of verdant hills and river-filled canyons. There are scads of free camp areas, short loop tracks, tramps to far-off huts…there are converging rivers, swing bridges, swimming holes, and 100-year-old saw mill ruins. A relaxing place to spend a day or two.
Upon arriving head to the caretaker’s house to see or buy the detailed map and to buy hut tickets if you want them. To start exploring try the Arctus loop. It’s a fairly easy 50-minute loop starting at the swing bridge.
Make sure you take a walk to the Otaki River swing bridge—it’s 20 minutes from the carpark towards the Waitawaewae hut and it features the best and deepest swimming hole directly under the photogenic bridge. Saw mill ruins are up the Waiotauru River.
