Jim Barnett Reserve is a 16 hectare pocket of native bush about 20km southwest of Putaruru near the small community of Waotu. It sits on the banks of the Waikato River and has thirteen short tracks winding through it. Most people do the main loop and the Totara Track together, which takes about 45 minutes in total. The star of the show is a 1000-year-old totara tree with a girth of over 2.5 metres that survived the logging era. It’s genuinely impressive.

The reserve has an interesting history. The area was once covered in dense forest until the Taupo eruption flattened almost everything in its path. A low hill at Waotu diverted the destruction and a narrow strip of bush survived, which Maori named Te Waotu tahi nga rakau, meaning the tall forest that stood by itself. European settlers logged most of it in the 1800s. The reserve was purchased from the Barnett family in 1992 and is now managed by a community committee including Forest and Bird, Putaruru Rotary and the Putaruru Walking Group.

Quick FactsDetails
Distance3km return, various combinations possible
Time45 minutes to 1 hour
DifficultyEasy, a few short steep sections
Track surfaceMetalled main track, narrower rougher Totara track
Starting pointWaotu South Road, Waotu, 20km from Putaruru
DogsDiscouraged, to protect native birdlife
ToiletsYes, near the car park
ParkingFree, at the reserve entrance
CampingBasic campsite with tap, toilets and picnic tables

Getting There

From Putaruru take Arapuni Road, then turn left into Waotu Road. At Waotu turn left then right, which leads to the parking area about 1.4km further on at the reserve entrance. The reserve is well signposted. Allow about 20 minutes from Putaruru.

The Tracks

There are thirteen tracks in total but most visitors do a combination of two:

  • Main track — metalled, easy underfoot, takes about 30 minutes. A straightforward loop through the bush with good birdlife throughout
  • Totara Track — narrower and rougher than the main track, adds about 15 minutes. Worth doing for the ancient totara tree at the far end of the reserve, estimated at over 1000 years old with a girth of more than 2.5 metres
  • The tracks are signposted but can be a bit confusing where they intersect, just follow the signs for the Totara Track to make sure you find the tree
  • Tui, kereru and fantail are common throughout
  • Native North Island Robin has been reintroduced to the reserve

Good to Know

  • Dogs discouraged — the reserve runs intensive possum control and the committee asks that dogs are left at home to protect nesting birds
  • Camping — basic campsite on site with tap, toilets and picnic tables. Not a freedom camping site, check with South Waikato District Council for booking
  • Cyclists on some tracks — tracks are shared with cyclists in places, keep an eye out
  • No cafe nearby — bring your own food and water, nearest town is Putaruru about 20 minutes away

Other Walks Nearby

Back to Putaruru walks