Last updated June 2026
Raukumara Conservation Park is one of the least developed and most remote tracts of native bush in New Zealand’s North Island. Covering 115,000 hectares in the Raukumara Range near Gisborne, the park features rugged podocarp-broadleaved forest, alpine herbfields on peaks such as Mount Hikurangi, and major river systems including the Mōtū. Visitors can climb to the 1,752-metre summit of Mount Hikurangi, raft the nationally protected Mōtū River, or mountain bike the Otipi Road Trail. The park also contains the 39,650-hectare Raukumara Wilderness Area managed primarily for conservation values. Strong navigation skills, self-sufficiency, and awareness of rapidly changing weather and river levels are essential for any visit.
Practical Information
| Location | Raukumara Range, East Coast, near Gisborne and Ōpōtiki |
| Size | 115,000 hectares (including 39,650-hectare Wilderness Area) |
| Key Peak | Mount Hikurangi (1,752 m) |
| Access Points | Mōtū township via Matawai (SH2); Ōpōtiki via SH35 and Old Mōtū Road |
| Dogs | Only registered avian-aversion certified hunting dogs, guide dogs, companion dogs (Top Dog Companion Trust certified), and conservation dogs permitted; all others banned |
| Hunting | Permitted with DOC hunting permit; non-transferable permits required |
| Facilities | Basic huts and Whitikau Campsite; no maintained facilities in Wilderness Area; no visitor centre on site |
| Best For | Experienced trampers, hunters, rafters, mountain bikers |
About Raukumara Conservation Park
Raukumara Conservation Park protects a vast area of remote native forest in the Raukumara Range. The park encompasses diverse ecosystems from lowland podocarp-broadleaved forest through to alpine vegetation on the highest peaks. Major rivers such as the Mōtū, Raukokore, and Haparapara flow through the area, with the Mōtū River protected by a national water conservation order.
Mount Hikurangi stands at 1,752 metres as the highest peak in the range and the first point on the New Zealand mainland to receive the morning sun. The summit supports the northernmost alpine vegetation in the country, including large buttercups, prickly wild spaniards, and the rare subalpine Hikurangi tutu found only on specific scree slopes.
The park holds deep cultural significance for iwi including Ngāti Porou and Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, who maintain mana whenua. Mount Hikurangi is revered as a sacred mountain linked to ancestral waka traditions, and the landscape contains archaeological evidence of historic occupation, pa sites such as Hungahungatoroa Pa, and old trails used as thoroughfares between coastal and inland areas.
Access and Tracks
Access is via Mōtū township following signs from Matawai on State Highway 2, or from Ōpōtiki along State Highway 35 to the Old Mōtū Road turnoff and then Takaputahi Road. The East-West Traverse crosses the park but receives minimal maintenance and marking, requiring excellent navigation skills and remote-area experience. Helicopter access is sometimes used for remote sections. Visitors should carry NZ Topo50 maps and check conditions with the local DOC office before travel.
Hiking and Mountain Biking
The Te Ara ki Hikurangi track leads to the summit of Mount Hikurangi through changing forest and alpine zones. The Otipi Road Trail offers mountain biking opportunities within the park. All routes demand high fitness levels and preparedness for sudden weather changes, cloud whiteouts, and high winds on the ranges.
Hunting and Other Activities
Hunting for deer, goats, and pigs is permitted on public conservation land with a DOC hunting permit. Only approved dogs may accompany hunters. Rafting the Mōtū River provides a challenging whitewater experience, while basic camping is available at sites such as Whitikau Campsite. The park offers excellent opportunities for observing native birds including kaka, whio, kererū, tūī, and falcons.
Biodiversity and Conservation
Native species include a range of forest birds, lizards, skinks, native snails, freshwater frogs, and bats. The Raukūmara Pae Maunga restoration project, launched with $34 million in government funding in 2020, is an iwi-Crown partnership involving Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāti Porou, and the Department of Conservation. The project focuses on large-scale pest control to protect biodiversity and restore forest health across the wider Raukūmara area.
What Visitors Often Say
Experienced trampers describe the park as genuinely remote with minimal track marking, requiring strong navigation and self-reliance. Many note the dramatic change from dense forest to open alpine tops and the striking sunrise views from Mount Hikurangi.
Hunters and rafters highlight the quality of the wilderness experience and the challenge of the terrain and rivers. Visitors frequently mention the need for thorough preparation and respect for the area’s isolation and variable conditions.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Official page with access details, safety information, and track descriptions for Raukumara Conservation Park.
Raukūmara Pae Maunga: Project website detailing the iwi-led restoration programme and conservation goals.
DOC Hunting Page: Specific guidance on permits and hunting opportunities within the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the size of Raukumara Conservation Park?
The park covers 115,000 hectares, including a 39,650-hectare Wilderness Area managed primarily for conservation.
Is Mount Hikurangi the highest point?
Yes, Mount Hikurangi reaches 1,752 metres and is the highest peak in the Raukumara Range.
Are dogs allowed in the park?
Only registered avian-aversion certified hunting dogs, guide dogs, certified companion dogs, and dogs used for conservation work are permitted; all other dogs are banned.
Do I need a permit to hunt?
Yes, a non-transferable DOC hunting permit is required for hunting activities in the park.
Are there maintained tracks throughout the park?
No, many routes including the East-West Traverse have minimal marking and maintenance, so excellent navigation skills are essential.
Is there a visitor centre in the park?
There is no visitor centre within Raukumara Conservation Park; information is available from nearby DOC offices in Gisborne or Ōpōtiki.
What is the Raukūmara Pae Maunga project?
It is a $34 million iwi-Crown partnership launched in 2020 to restore forest health through pest control across the Raukūmara area.
When was the park established?
Raukumara Conservation Park was established in 1979.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.