"Luckily she had her wits about her as she found this [the trap] clearly in the middle of a walking path," she said.
What her mum had come across was an illegal gin trap, which have metal jaws designed to catch and hold an animal.
The sale and use of gin traps is restricted under the Animal Welfare Act.
"This was obviously hidden on purpose under pine needles," she said.
It is a criminal offence to use a trap in breach of the regulations.
The punishment can be up to 12 months' imprisonment, or a fine of up to $50,000.
The woman said she was thankful it was found before an unsuspecting victim, be it a person or pet, was caught.
Her mother immediately reported the trap to Timberlands, which maintains the forestry path.
"People need to know these are around and could be extremely dangerous on walking tracks where the public are," she said.
Timberlands forest risk manager Colin Maunder said the traps were unauthorised.
"We have identified and dealt with the people involved, including removal of the traps," he said.
"This does occur, although infrequently and we greatly appreciate reports from forest users when traps are discovered so we can take prompt action."
Department of Conservation community supervisor Caraline Abbott said within the Rotorua district the department did not use these types of traps.
Ms Abbott said the placement of this trap was particularly poor.
"Any ground dwelling birds, domestic animals such as dogs and even humans could easily step on this device and be injured," she said.
"Land-owner approval should always be sought before placing any traps out."
If you spot a gin trap while out on a forestry walk, contact Timberlands on (07) 343 1070 to report it.
