The Whakamaru Trail begins on the water’s edge at the Lake Atiamuri boat ramp, with 360° panoramic views of the glass-like lake surrounded by forest, and the dramatic Pohaturoa Rock volcanic “plug” formation taking centre stage in the distance. Follow the trail for a short distance to the Atiamuri Power Station with the calm waters on the lakeside of the 171-metre-long concrete dam, contrasting with the powerful water flow through the turbines on the riverside.

From here the trail heads toward the Atiamuri Road Bridge where you’ll cross the river before heading underneath the bridge to the tree-lined forest trail below. Under a canopy of native trees, the trail follows the turquoise river and sheer rock faces on the opposite side towards a rest area and a viewing photo frame looking across the river toward Pohaturoa Maunga. Estimated to have originated between 350,000 to 500,000 years ago, the 245 metre Pohaturoa lava dome was created by an explosion of gas and 900°C rhyolite magma being forced through a vent in the earth. Pohaturoa is a significant cultural landscape feature and oral history speaks of it as once being a kainga (settlement) and a pā (fortress).

The next section of the trail winds between the river, lush native plants and trees, and farmland as you cross small bridges and boardwalks accompanied by the rich sounds of nature and birdsong in the background. Adding to the native birdlife along the trail is a large steel morepork sculpture whose wings dramatically span the width of the trail. The morepork was created by James Wright, a New Zealand sculptor whose inspiration is drawn from his heritage and rural upbringing, and provides a dramatic backdrop for a trail photo.