Picnic area for ex-campground

The Forest Pools picnic area in the Waihou valley on the edge of Puketi Omahuta Forest is getting a new lease of life in time for this summer. Photo / Supplied

A former Department of Conservation campground now revamped by locals as a picnic area will be officially opened with a whanau day tomorrow.

Forest Pools, in the Waihou Valley on the edge of Puketi Omahuta Forest, is a popular swimming and picnicking spot in summer and was a DoC camping ground conveniently located just off State Highway 1 north of Okaihau.

However, locals' concerns about vandalism and other "bad behaviour" at the campground led to its closure earlier this year.

Since then, local residents have formed a group called Te Mauri o Waihou to work with DoC to upgrade the area and turn it into a picnic area.

The opening of the new-look Forest Pools will be celebrated with a whanau day and opening ceremony. The day's activities will include a barbecue, shared lunch and local kids helping a street artist paint a mural on the newly built toilets.

Last week locals, contractors and DoC staff installed a culvert and created separate parking and picnic areas using rocks and recycled fence posts.

DoC ranger Dan O'Halloran said the improvements had been designed to cater for day-time picnickers and swimmers.

"Unfortunately, due to the behaviour of overnight campers at Forest Pools last summer, the area is now closed to camping." He added: "DoC is pleased to be working with Te Mauri o Waihou to ensure Forest Pools remains a place whanau can enjoy safely."

Te Mauri o Waihou's plans for Forest Pools include working with Niwa to test water quality and more planting and beautification.