This region of the central North Island contains large tracts of pine plantations, some of them also within the park, and as a consequence, invasive wilding conifers are present throughout the 594 km2 (229 sq mi) park.

[1] The highest peak in the park is Kaweka at 1,724 metres (5,656 ft).

[2] The Mangatutu Hot Springs, in the vicinity of the Mohaka River, are in the park.

However, the steep terrain and poor soil made it difficult to farm.

During this period it was replanted with exotic pine trees and was turned into a Forest Park in 1972.