Te Urewera Forest Road (Lake Waikaremoana Circuit)

The Te Urewera Forest Road winds 80km through New Zealand’s largest remaining native forest, where thousand-year-old tōtara and rimu trees dwarf your rig on narrow single-lane gravel. This isn’t just a scenic drive—you’re tracing old logging tramways through Tūhoe territory, past abandoned mill sites at Onepoto and crossing the Whakatane River multiple times on one-lane bridges that’ll test your nerves. The circuit around Lake Waikaremoana connects remote settlements like Tuai and Wairoa, with steep climbs to Panekiri Bluff offering views across the mist-covered canopy to the lake below.

Moderate difficulty with occasional technical sections on loose gravel and narrow ridge roads. Stock 4WD with good ground clearance handles it fine, but carry recovery gear and extra fuel—services are 100km apart. Best tackled May through September when rivers are lower, though expect mud after heavy rain. No permits needed, but respect rahui (temporary restrictions) posted by local Tūhoe. Multiple DoC campsites along the route, plus remote freedom camping spots by the lake. You’ll emerge with muddy fenders and a deep appreciation for New Zealand’s wilderness heritage.