The Papakauri Stream provides a four hour route through Russell Forest, as part of the Te Araroa Trail. The trail starts at the end of Waikare Valley Road and soon follows the bed of Papakauri Stream, surrounded by lush forest. The stream eventually joins the Punaruku Track, where there is a shelter. Follow the track eastwards until it reaches a fork; the eastern fork is the Papakauri Trail, which leads to Papakauri Road and onto Russell Road, while the northern branch continues to the Te Ranga trig point (314) and onto Russell Whakapara Road.