On a miserable, wet but warm summer Sunday, I threw my hiking boots and poles into the car and went to walk Pukemokemoke bush track. The walk itself is only about 20 minutes but really grunty. While it is well marked and easy to follow, it just keeps climbing steadily. The weather cleared as I arrived and the Tui and cicadas sang a I puffed and panted my way to the top. A mixture of Kauri, Ponga, Totara, Kanuka, Kawakawa and Matai trees are found on the track.

The lookout at the summit (166 mtrs) of the track provides an amazing 360 degree view of the region, with many of the mountains and peaks e.g. Maugatautari, Kariori, Te Aroha, Hakrimates and others very easily seen. The reserve is about 15 minutes from Gordonton village on the Tauhei Rd – just past the Tauhei school. A long right of way opens into quite a large carpark, which would easily take campervans.