Walking the Waikato River Trails is one way to connect with nature all year round in previously inaccessible Southern Waikato land.

Drink in the breath-taking scenery and the feeling of being one with nature. Be inspired as you walk through grassed farmland, open reserves, boardwalks over significant wetlands, and expansive lake and river views.

This reserve surrounds the man-made lake constructed by the Matamata County Council in 1974/75. The name Moananui means Big Water.

The development of the lake surrounds began with the construction of car parks and tree planting. Local service clubs became involved with the construction of bridges, pagodas, picnic areas, paths, playground equipment, a paddling pool and retaining walls.

This pool complex consists of a main 25 metre by 13.3 metre pool with six lanes. However, provision for eight lanes is provided through extra lane anchors. The depth of the main pool varies from 1.05 metres to 2.2 metres.

A tiered leisure pool with graduated depths up to a maximum depth of 0.9 metres consists of a sloping beach entry, waterfalls and bubble jets.

Cougar Mountain Bike Park offers 35km of Grade 3-5 off-road forest tracks. The park hosts 14 different tracks, which cater for a wide range of riders from beginners and intermediate to advanced mountain bikers.

For learner riders, the park offers hand-cut trails that have nice flow and plenty of exits along the trail.

The forest is most well known for the network of superb mountain biking and walking tracks and for the magnificent stand of Californian Coast Redwoods.

These towering trees, along with numerous other species and the fresh forest air, combine to create an invigorating atmosphere and a truly unique and special environment.

The Jim Barnett Reserves Management Committee is a dedicated team of individuals who have put in countless volunteer hours at the reserve, clearing tracks, building amenities and managing work crews that maintain the tracks.

Due to the birdlife in Jim Barnett Reserve, dogs are discouraged in the reserve.