Waitomo District Council’s vision is “Creating a better future with vibrant communities and thriving business”. With stunning native forest, caves and scenic coast, Waitomo is the place to live, work and visit. Te Kuiti is the administrative and main trading centre in the District, with approximately 45% of the District population residing in this town. There are many communities located throughout the District, including the popular beach settlements of Mokau, Awakino, Marokopa, and Te Waitere. The main rural communities are Benneydale, Piopio and Waitomo Village. The Waitomo district has some of the most extensive tracts of forested area in the Waikato Region. Two large western forests of significance to the tourism industry are the Whareorino and the Tawarau Forests. Whareorino Forest which is located 30 kilometres west of Waitomo Village, occupies 15,903 hectares of land. Located to the east, is the massive Pureora Forest Park. A predominantly walking and cycling trail has been developed through the Pureora Forest park - The Timber Trail. This is a two-day cycling experience with great opportunities for day trips and multi-day experiences for walkers. The Timber Trail has been accorded the highest of priorities amongst the Department of Conservation assets. It provides a new tourism asset to the Waitomo district to compliment other clusters of activity.