Deep within Pureora Forest Park sits a quiet, rain fed mirror-like lagoon surrounded by towering native trees & amazing birdsong.

Waihora Lagoon is such a uniuqe and magical hidden gem that not many people know about or visit.

The short boardwalk trail winds through swamp forest filled with kahikatea and rimu, leading to a viewing platform where the still water reflects the canopy above.

📍 Location: Pureora Forest Park, central North Island
🚗 Access: Gravel road via SH32 and Waihora Road
⏱️ Walk time: Around 20-30 minutes return walk
💡 Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for beautiful light and calm reflections. The lagoon can dry out in summer, so conditions vary.

Tips:

• The lagoon is best visited after rain or in higher rainfall seasons.

• The gravel road there is recommended for 4wd type vehicles or those with a high ground clearance.

• If there has been too much rainfall, the water can be over the boardwalk

Reviews:

"Take an SUV of some sort or a vehicle with good suspension travel and high ground clearance. Unless you dont mind your car scraping its undercarriage or spinning wheels on some steep inclines then bring your "car". Our Sportage AWD handled it no sweat. Parking at the entrance is a small dirt culdisac and is a bit secluded (so lock it or lose it) Also, this is a hunting area if you apply for a permit, watchout. Track to lagoon is a short 10mins or less leisure walk. I advise coming here early or late as I'd imagine more than 1 group of people would crowd the viewing platform (which is small). The amount of water and clarity in the lagoon is dependable on rainfall and the time of year you visit etc. Peaecful and serene area the waihora lagoon is, respect it and the plants surrounding the waters and stay on the path." - Benne, Google

"It's the most picturesque place around! Although it was flooded when we arrived it only made it more beautiful, the trees and everything made up the perfect place for a crystal clear reflection. It is possible to fly drones here however due to the cloud cover it was hairy. The amount of water is heavily dependent on rainfall so levels raise and drop a lot" - Michael, Google

Handy websites:

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/waikato/places/pureora-forest-park/things-to-do/waihora-lagoon-walk/

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/new-zealand/waikato/waihora-lagoon-walk

https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/scenic-attractions/waihora-lagoon/