Thread: Whirinaki access

Hi all,
Can anyone advise if access to Whirinaki is possible without an access permit from the Rotorua forestry Co?
Used to go in there years ago and just drove it to the start of the track. But I have a feeling I read you have to get an access permit to drive in now?

Cheers M

Yes that would be the easiest but that won’t open till opening of bird shooting season. I used to go in via Minginui and up South Road then onto Main Rd and access the tracks that way. You also used to be able to come in via the Waipunga. Those options we used to use using a DOC permit for Whirinaki. Not sure if it’s still the same talk to Rotorua or Murupara DOC.

I use the Waipunga but I guess it depends on what part you are heading into. i think they have installed electronic gates to stop people going through the pines.

Tried calling Doc Murupara today.
They excelled as per usual.
The 07 number advertised on the website is no longer connected.
The 0800 no one answers. Rang it twice. Gave up the first time after god knows how long in a queue.
2nd time waited on speaker while working to eventually be cut off.
None the wiser.
I used to go in via pine milling road well before Minginui.
Sounds like that’s no longer possible?

Go down Minginui Rd, turn right onto river rd, then when over the bridge turn left and continue down river rd to the carpark. This unsealed road follows the Whirinaki river and several hiking/hunting tracks lead off it. Pretty sure this is all public land with no access permits required.