Kauri Challenge 2026 is postponed –

The walk for Saturday 25th Jan 2026 is cancelled. We have a new date of April 4th 2026, Easter Weekend. If you have registered, check your email for cancellation notice and further details.

——

Join the Adventure!

The Puketi Forest Kauri Challenge is back for 2026!

Choose from a 12km or 21km challenge walk through some of the most spectacular parts of Puketi Forest. River crossings, dense forest and incredible views all add to this memorable experience.

This is not a walk for the feint hearted… a good level of fitness and some tramping experience are required. Are you up to the challenge?!

Then make payment/donation here: PAYPAL DONATION

How it works…

Step one

Read all the info below and if you are still keen you can enter with the link above
If you have any queries please do get in touch

Step two

Decide which route you want to do … click for more details about the routes to help you decide whether to register for the 12km or the 21km.

Entries for the 21 km option and for the 12 km option must be received, with payment, by 5 pm on Thursday 22nd January 2026.

Step Three

We will send you a confirmation of your place and full details of what happens on the day, what kit you will need to bring and how it all works. Also, consider setting up a Givealittle Fundraising page incase you think you might be able to ask friends to support you by making a donation to Puketi Forest Trust. You don’t have to do this – it’s an optional extra.

Step Four

Get ready… both distances are challenging! You might like to train a little by getting out on some walks in the lead in to the big day.

What to expect…

Join us for one of the best day walks in Northland! We all gather together at the start at the Puketi Forest Campground. 21km walkers set of from here and the 12km walkers get transported by 4WD to their start point further along the track. Take the walk at your own pace. The wonderful volunteers from Land Search and Rescue will be keeping an eye on you at points along the way and we all finish with a picnic welcome Forest Pools. We then have optional transport back to your cars at Puketi Forest Campground.

$80 donation – Full 21km tramp walking 9km on gravel road through bush to start of Puketea Ridge track.

$95 donation – 12km tramp including 4WD drive transport to Puketea Ridge track.

$10 donation – Optional return shuttle from Forest Pools back to the Puketi Recreation Area starting line to take you back to your car – please bring cash.

A good level of fitness and tramping experience is required. Participants must be prepared to carry all of their own gear and sustain up to 9 hours of tramping for the 21km option and 7 hours for the shorter option. This event is not suitable for young children.