Kaweka Forest Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kaweka Forest Park |
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The Kaweka Range near Two Tits (1418 m)
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 Kaweka Forest Park
Location in New Zealand
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| Location | North Island, New Zealand |
| Nearest town | Napier |
| Area | 59,425.7 hectares (146,844 acres) |
| Governing body | Department of Conservation |
Kaweka Forest Park is a large natural area in the Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand. It is located next to Kaimanawa Forest Park. This park is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Kaweka Range. The park is managed by the Department of Conservation. They work to protect its nature for everyone to enjoy.
The park covers about 594 square kilometers (59,425.7 hectares). Some parts of the park have large areas of pine trees. These trees were planted a long time ago. Sometimes, these planted trees can spread into other natural areas of the park.
The highest point in Kaweka Forest Park is Kaweka Peak. It stands tall at 1,724 meters (5,656 feet) above sea level.
You can also find the Mangatutu Hot Springs within the park. These warm springs are located near the Mohaka River. They offer a natural place to relax and enjoy the park's environment.
Contents
The Story of Kaweka Forest Park
This section tells you how Kaweka Forest Park became the special place it is today.
Early Days and Farming Challenges
In the late 1800s, European settlers arrived in the area. They tried to clear the land to create farms. However, the land in this region was very challenging. It had steep hills and the soil was not good for growing crops. Because of these difficulties, farming stopped around 1900.
Becoming a State Forest
After farming ended, the land changed its purpose. In the 1960s, it became a State Forest. During this time, new trees were planted. These were mostly pine trees, which are not native to New Zealand. These trees were planted to help the land recover and for timber production.
From Forest to Park
Finally, in 1972, the area was officially turned into a Forest Park. This change meant that the land was now protected. It became a place for people to visit and enjoy nature. The park helps to look after the plants and animals that live there.
