Pukemokemoke consists of 40 hectares of original and modified forest cover, which, when donated by David Johnstone in 1994, had been grazed by cattle, was overrun with weeds and was home to all manner of predators. Despite this it was recognised as one of the most species-rich forest remnants of the Waikato and has been designated a Key Ecological Site (KES) by Environment Waikato. The bush contains fine specimens of forest trees including kauri, rimu and pukatea, plus 80 species of native ferns. A variety of birds have been sighted at Pukemokemoke, with a bird song video available here and a kererū video (MP4, 28.67 MB).
The forest rises from 20m above sea level at the stream to a lookout at 166m which gives a panoramic view of the whole Waikato basin.
The reserve is visited by a wide range of users including school groups, hikers, naturalists, fundraisers and picnickers. It is accessed by a 400m long drive off Tauhei Road and the entrance is over a bridge across the Mangatea Stream.
For users of Pukemokemoke, please respect these rules:
- No dogs (as discussed here)
- No camping
- No drones
- No smoking
- No naked flames
