Forest Pools are swimmable pools in the Waipapa River on the southern edge of Puketi Forest. The river and pools are accessed directly from State Highway 1 on Forest Road, about 10 km northwest of Okaihu. There was a campsite, still marked on Topo Map, but it has been closed for some time. However, the grassed area opposite the toilet is perfect for a picnic.
The pools are a pleasant distraction on a trip around the region. The road leads directly to a car park, with a short walk down to a large gravel beach beside the river and pools. Swimming is safe and popular. If it is too busy, you can walk down the river in either direction to find a quieter spot. Heading east takes you around a bend, then north into the forest, while the southwest is towards farmland.
The Lower Waipapa River Track also starts at the end of the car park. This tramping track takes you north into the forest, following the river's course to connect with the Pukatea Ridge Track, a section of Te Araroa. It takes two days to tramp from the pools to the Puketui Forest Nature Trail and campsite at the southeast end of the forest.
