Opepe Scenic and Historic Reserve
Discover ancient Rimu trees and fascinating history in this tranquil reserve, a peaceful escape near Taupō.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid crowds, enjoy peace
Opepe Scenic and Historic Reserve
Best Time
Avoid crowds, enjoy peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient Rimu trees and fascinating history in this tranquil reserve, a peaceful escape near Taupō.
"Absolutely beautiful walk through ancient Totara and Rimu trees which are huge!"
🎯 Look for 'Rest Area' Signs
Road signage can be poor; keep an eye out for 'Rest Area Ahead' to find the entrance. :round_pushpin:
📵 No Signal Zone
Be prepared for no cell reception. Download offline maps and inform others of your plans. :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giant Rimu Trees
North Loop
Stand in awe of colossal, ancient Rimu trees, some of the largest in New Zealand. A truly humbling experience.
Historic Cemetery
North Loop
Explore a fascinating historic cemetery, offering a glimpse into past settlements and lives.
Pit Saw & Bullock Watering Hole
South Loop
Discover remnants of early logging history, including a pit saw and a watering hole for bullocks.
Plane Crash Site
South Loop
A poignant reminder of aviation history, this site adds a unique element to the southern walk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Navigating to Opepe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Look for 'Rest Area' Signs
Road signage can be poor; keep an eye out for 'Rest Area Ahead' to find the entrance. :round_pushpin:
📵 No Signal Zone
Be prepared for no cell reception. Download offline maps and inform others of your plans. :iphone:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The reserve has walking tracks; wear comfortable shoes for exploring both loops.
⏳ Allow Extra Time
Don't rush! Take time to truly appreciate the ancient trees and historical significance. :clock1:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Look for 'Rest Area' Signs
Road signage can be poor; keep an eye out for 'Rest Area Ahead' to find the entrance. :round_pushpin:
📵 No Signal Zone
Be prepared for no cell reception. Download offline maps and inform others of your plans. :iphone:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The reserve has walking tracks; wear comfortable shoes for exploring both loops.
⏳ Allow Extra Time
Don't rush! Take time to truly appreciate the ancient trees and historical significance. :clock1:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Walks
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leash, making it a great spot for pet owners.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty of the ancient Rimu and Totara trees on the North Loop, describing the walks as peaceful and awe-inspiring. The historical aspects, including the cemetery and logging remnants, are also highly praised for their educational value. Some note that road signage can be poor, and cell reception is absent, requiring a bit of planning.
"Did both the north and south walks. The north side is an easy 30min loop- however it pays to give yourself longer so you can really appreciate the giant ancient trees - it’s an absolutely beautiful walk. The history of the cemetery is fascinating.
The south side is a fair bit longer (1.5hrs) but some really interesting historical sights including a plane crash site, a watering hole for bullocks and horses and pit saw. Younger bush than the north side but still beautiful."
Stacey
"Beautiful and quiet walk through native forest. No signal reception. We did the historic walk which leads around pitsaw, nice to teach kids some history as well."
Wander Whiff Kids
"Beautiful reserve where there once were settlements."
Leigh Hynes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Opepe Reserve is about a 15-minute drive from Taupō towards Napier on State Highway 5. Keep an eye out for 'Rest Area Ahead' signs, as direct signage for the reserve can be minimal.
Finding Opepe can be a bit tricky due to poor road signage. Many visitors miss the turn-off and have to backtrack. Look for general 'Rest Area' signs as a clue.
The reserve has two main walking loops: the North Loop (approx. 30-40 minutes) and the South Loop (approx. 1.5 hours). Both are well-marked, but the South Loop is more rugged.
Yes, there is a rest area with parking facilities available, which serves as the access point for the walking tracks.
Public transport options are very limited for Opepe Reserve. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Opepe Scenic and Historic Reserve is free to enter and explore.
The reserve is open year-round during daylight hours. There are no specific opening or closing times posted.
No booking is required as Opepe Reserve is a public park and entry is free.
The main restriction is that it's a walking-only reserve. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
The North Loop is generally easy walking and might be manageable for some strollers, but it's not fully paved. The South Loop is more rugged and less suitable.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see giant ancient Rimu and Totara trees on the North Loop, a historic cemetery, and remnants of logging history like a pit saw and plane crash site on the South Loop.
The North Loop takes about 30-40 minutes, while the South Loop is longer, around 1.5 hours. You can combine them or do them separately.
Yes, it's great for families! The North Loop is easy for kids, and the historical aspects like the cemetery and pit saw can be educational.
The rest area provides picnic tables, making it a pleasant spot for a break amidst nature.
The North Loop is a relatively flat, easy walking track through native forest. The South Loop is longer and can be more uneven and rugged in places.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the immense scale of the ancient Rimu and Totara trees, the atmospheric historic cemetery, and the unique historical artifacts like the pit saw.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful dappled effects through the forest canopy, enhancing the mood.
There are no specific regulations mentioned regarding drones, but it's always best to check local DOC (Department of Conservation) guidelines or be mindful of other visitors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the trees, while a macro lens can be useful for details in the forest. A tripod can help with low-light forest shots.
Yes, photographing the historical sites like the cemetery and pit saw is encouraged to document their significance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The historic cemetery and the pit saw site on the South Loop offer engaging historical lessons that kids can easily grasp. 🚶♀️ Nature Walk Enthusiasts
The South Loop provides a longer, more varied walk with historical points of interest, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of discovery alongside their nature immersion. 🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Ancient Forest
As you wander, you'll notice the lush undergrowth and the unique ecosystem that thrives in this protected area. The air is fresh, and the sounds of native birds often fill the canopy. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with New Zealand's natural heritage and learn about the importance of conservation.
Uncovering Opepe's Rich History
The South Loop delves deeper into the area's logging past, featuring a pit saw demonstration site and a bullock watering hole. You can also find the remnants of a plane crash site, adding a layer of intrigue to the walk. These historical markers provide valuable context and make the reserve an educational experience, especially for families.
Practicalities for Your Visit
Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as the tracks, especially the South Loop, can be uneven. Dogs are welcome on a leash, making it a great outing for pet owners.
The rest area offers picnic facilities, so packing a lunch is a great idea to extend your visit and enjoy the serene surroundings. 
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit