Murupara between Marae, River and Forest

Murupara combines Māori culture with waterside activities and an extensive forest landscape. The town lies on the edge of Kaingaroa Forest, and the Rangitāiki River flows through Murupara. Visitors looking to bring together different interests during their trip will find opportunities here to enjoy culture, swimming, fishing, kayaking and trails through native forest.

Māori Culture in Murupara

There are four marae in and around Murupara. The town offers a good opportunity to learn about the Māori way of life. Rangitahi Marae in Murupara belongs to Ngāti Hui o Ngāti Manawa and welcomes visitors to cultural experiences. It includes the intricately carved wharenui, Apa Hāpai Take Take. Visitors interested in Māori culture can make this a distinct focus of their trip. The marae give Murupara a cultural connection that is distinct from the nature experiences by the river and in the forest.

Swimming and Activities on the Rangitāiki River

Murupara Aquatic Centre is available for recreational swimming, school groups and swimming lessons. The swimming pools are also known as the A.H. Lynd Memorial Baths: they opened in 1965 with a paddling pool, and the 33-metre main pool was added in 1968. A stay in Murupara therefore offers both swimming facilities and a specific piece of local history.

The Rangitāiki River offers opportunities for fishing and kayaking. To access fishing on the Rangitāiki River system, take Kiorenui Road from SH38 in Murupara; a fishing access sign is located at the intersection with Wheao West Road. There are also kayaking opportunities for experts on the Rangitāiki River near Murupara. This gives you two distinct options for planning your day: swimming in town and activities on the Rangitāiki River.

Forest Trails and Tours in the Area

Kaingaroa Forest covers 2,900 km² and is the largest plantation forest in the Southern Hemisphere. Planting began in the early 20th century. For a different forest experience, Whirinaki Forest Footsteps offers tours along 12 km of trails through ancient native rainforest. The programme includes a visit to a 1,000-year-old tōtara and learning about medicinal plants. Tours begin with a Mihi Whakatau, a greeting, and a Karakia, a prayer; they end at the forest car park with hot kawakawa tea.

For a shorter walk nearby, consider the Loop Track to River at Whirinaki Recreation Camp: this 1 km loop through native forest takes 30 minutes. In summer, it provides access to swimming in the Whirinaki River. Nearby Te Urewera National Park and Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne also offer opportunities for wilderness hiking, hunting and fishing. Depending on whether you are looking for a short loop, a tour with 12 km of trails or other wilderness activities, you can choose different focuses for your stay.

Surroundings and Travel Planning

Murupara is one of the western towns closest to Te Urewera. To the north, 13 km from Murupara, Aniwhenua Reserve is located on Lake Aniwhenua; it has a campground for overnight stays. These different travel interests may help you choose a holiday rental or holiday home: culture in Murupara, activities on the Rangitāiki River, or experiences in the forest and wider area.

Also factor the road connection between Murupara and Tuai into your travel plans. It is about 90 km long and is an unsealed road; it can be difficult for lower-clearance vehicles, and a 4WD/SUV is recommended.

More local pages: Nukuhou, Edgecumbe, Taneatua, Minginui, Awakeri, Ohope, Matata, Whakatane.

For the broader travel overview: Whakatane District.