Visitors to the scenic reserve can enjoy the hot and cold pools of Mōrere Hot Springs, and the great wilderness on the network of walking tracks ranging from easy 10-minute native bushwalks to challenging two and three hour hikes.
The name Mōrere only came into existence during the late 1890s - the traditional name is ‘Ngā Waiariki o Ngāti Rakaipaaka’ (the Hot Springs of Ngāti Rakaipaaka), or more loosely ‘the healing waters’. There was a small lake close to Mōrere called Maukanui, which was well-known for its tuna (eels). Today there is evidence of this occupation with the discovery of storage pits and an old pā (fortified village) site. For many years, local Māori utilised the hot springs for cooking, but through legislation this practice was stopped. The current area became a thermal reserve in 1885.
The rainforest reserve is best known for its stands of Nikau Palms. High rainfall, a mild climate and fertile mudstone soils have created the environment for a notable area of rain forest. The reserve is home to a wide variety of indigenuous trees and birdlife including tui, bellbird, kereru and shining cuckoo.
There are three tracks to explore in the reserve
- Nikau Loop Track: easy, 20-25min return
- Ridge Track: advanced, 2hr return
- Mangakawa Track: advanced, 2hr30min return
The tracks and pools can be accessed through the main entrance of the Mōrere Hot Springs, with an alternate entry point on Tunanui Road.
Information thanks to Visit Wairoa and the Department of Conservation