Mt Bruce Loop Track reopens

In September the scenic two hour Loop Track at Pukaha Mt Bruce Wildlife Centre in the Wairarapa was the victim of high winds that were whipping through the Tararua region.

The popular hiking trail had to be temporarily closed due to debris and trees that had blown down. Fortunately arborists from the Department of Conservation were dispatched to clear the trees and within a matter of days the trail was allowed to safely reopen. Which is good news, because the trail is one of our most popular attractions and frequently hiked by visitors over the Spring and Summer.

In Māori the trail is called Te Arapiki o Tawhaki. Arapiki refers to ‘going up’ and Tawhaki is how some tribes refer to Tāne-mahuta, the god of the forest who rules over all the creations in our reserve. Te Arapiki o Tawhaki therefore refers to a pathway ascending upwards towards the heavens. And it quite literally does just that, so bring some water and sturdy walking shoes to help you get to the top on your next visit!