Walks in Whirinaki Forest

BAY OF PLENTY

CONTENTS

Whirinaki Forest Park 0

Introduction 1

Early history and culture 2

The power of trees 3

Plants and animals 4

Lie of the land 5

Getting there 5

Staying in DOC Huts 6

Camping 6

Accommodation and vehicle services 6

Mountain bikes, motorsport and horses 7

Hunting 7

Dogs 7

Safety Information 7

Track classification 8

Tracks 10

Walking tracks 12

Recreation camp walking tracks 14

Whirinaki Track 16

Te Hoe Track 19

Waipuna area tramping tracks 21

Maps 10

Location map 5

Whirinaki Forest Park 10

Whirinaki Short Walks 15

Photos - Cover: Te Whaiti-Nui-a-Toi Canyon (Gordon Roberts)Opposite page: Mist rising through Whirinaki’s rolling hills / North Island robin (DOC collection). Back cover: Whio (DOC collection), Whirinaki Track (Rob Grant), Scarlet mistletoe (Trevor Johnson).

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Welcome to Whirinaki Forest ParkTowering trees, rushing rivers, a wide variety of habitats and a fascinating past combine to create Whirinaki Forest Park. This was one of New Zealand’s most famous conservation battlegrounds, where people actively fought to save a magnificent native forest. Today Whirinaki’s beauty is protected for everyone to enjoy through a comprehensive network of walks, tracks, huts and a range of opportunities for visitors.Whirinaki Forest Park forms a boundary between the exotic Kaingaroa pine plantations to the west and Te Urewera National Park to the east. The Forest Park stretches over 55,000 ha from near Murupara in the north to the Napier-Taupo highway in the south. The park is about 100 km southeast of Rotorua past Murupara on Ruatahuna Road.

The park is administered and managed by the Department of Conservation.

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Carved pou at Waikotikoti Marae, Te Whaiti. Photo: Angela Corona

Early history and culture

Maori have lived here probably as long as the oldest trees still standing. The original inhabitants of the Whirinaki Valley were believed to have been Te Marangaranga. They were conquered by Wharepakau and his nephew Tangiharuru, descendants of Toi the great Maori chief. Through this conquest Wharepakau and Tangiharuru, with their people, occupied the lands in the Whirinaki and Rangitaiki Valleys and their descendants have lived in the district ever since. Ngati Whare are descendents of Wharepakau and regard themselves as the guardians of Whirinaki forest and maintain a keen interest in the management of the park. They also administer Minginui Village. Ngati Manawa, who reside in the Murupara and Galatea areas, regard Tangiharuru as their ancestor. The name Manawa is derived from the ancestors Manawatu, Manawaoho, Manawarere and Manawakotokoto.

Maori association with the forest is also spiritual. Whirinaki protects and preserves the people and legends of the past, as well as providing traditional sources of food, herbs and building materials for cultural purposes. These include totara for meeting houses and other carving work. The right to take these resources is reserved for Maori and arises from their special relationship with the forest.

The first pakeha to visit the area was Reverend William Colenso who came to Te Whaiti in 1842. By 1885 surveying of the proposed State Highway 38 began but met with resistance from Tuhoe – one clash in 1889 led to the establishment of a police station at Te Whaiti. In the same year a store was established with the well-known historian Elsdon Best as the shop keeper. The presence of the store and road construction work gradually eased relations between Maori and European residents.

Many pa, settlement and old garden sites remain in the forest as reminders of the area’s long history of occupation.

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The power of trees

Whirinaki is best known for its awe-inspiring trees. The greatest of these are known as podocarps and include rimu, totara, kahikatea, matai and miro. These forest giants have always been valued but in quite different ways now compared to the past. Visitors who marvel at their great height and size are often surprised to learn that logging of this forest ceased as recently as the mid 1980s.

Timber milling first began at Te Whaiti in 1928 when Crown and Maori land was logged for totara fencing material. As demand for high quality wood gradually increased, a sawmill and the original Minginui Village were built near the present village site in the 1930s to help supply the timber. Work was plentiful and before long Minginui had three sawmills. The annual cut of native trees was large – up to 30,000 cubic metres. Ongoing demand saw fast growing exotic species planted where the much slower-growing natives had been logged. By the late 1970s around 130 people were employed in the forest industry at Whirinaki.

But times were changing. In 1975 the three mills amalgamated and between 1978 and 1979 a bitter public controversy raged over the future of the forest. Conservation groups actively campaigned to stop the native harvest and came into direct conflict with the local community who saw this as a threat to their lifestyle and employment. In 1985 a new government ended the logging of native trees and by 1987 all logging of native timber had stopped.

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North Island kaka. Photos: D

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Plants and animalsThe vegetation of Whirinaki changes from lowland podocarp forest in the basins through to beech forest in higher altitude areas. The plant life reflects landform, altitude and soils along with past disturbance by volcanic activity and burning by humans.

The park’s most striking characteristic is its wonderful podocarp forest. Another special feature is the northern rata-podocarp forest on the Minginui Faces, one of the best examples of rata forest in the North Island. Also of note are the frost flats at Waione and Taahau where a unique ecosytem has been created by extreme frost conditions. They are dominated by monoao and kanuka shrublands and include the rare parasitic plant

.

Birdlife is diverse and abundant. The forest supports high numbers of rare birds such as North Island brown kiwi, red and yellow crowned kakariki,

and North Island kaka. Other notable birds include whio (blue duck) and the endangered karearea (New Zealand falcon). Weka were reintroduced to Whirinaki in 2005 and it is hoped that the population will soon be self-sustaining.

Excellent trout fishing can be found in the Whirinaki, Rangitaiki, and Whaeo Rivers. Long-finned tuna (eels) and several other species of native fish also live in these river systems.

New Zealand’s only native mammals, long-tailed and short-tailed bats, are present but rarely seen. Alert visitors may catch sight of a long-tailed bat around the forest edges in the evening.

Many introduced mammals have also made Whirinaki home. These include red deer, pigs and possums which have played a major part in modifying the forest. Deer and possums were liberated in the late 1890s and their populations rose to a peak around the late 1950s. Rats, mice, cats and stoats are also present.

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The lie of the landWhirinaki is located between the central volcanic plateau and mountain axis of the North Island. To the west is the Kaingaroa plateau, while to the east and south are the Huiarau-Ikawhenua ranges, bounded by the Whaeo and Te Whaiti faults. The park contains elements of volcanic and non-volcanic landforms and soils, and the plant and animal life reflects these differences.

The land is still and peaceful now but this belies the violent origins of the Kaingaroa Plateau and Whirinaki basin. About 1800 years ago the Taupo eruption ejected a great wave of pumice, destroying all in its path and creating a new landscape. A lot of material also fell from the air, cloaking the greywacke ridges to the east.

The northern part of the forest, west of the Whirinaki River, is relatively low country which rises from 360 m to 730 m. There are beautiful river flats and rolling, tree-covered hills and gullies. These are a marked contrast to the steep rugged greywacke country in the south which attains 1365 m at Maungataniwha.

Getting thereWhirinaki Forest Park is 90 km southeast of Rotorua, off Ruatahuna Rd, via SH38. The most popular entrance to the park is past Minginui village and up River Road to the River Road carpark, the starting point for many walks.

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Staying in DOC hutsHut tickets or Backcountry Passes are required for all huts and are available from any Department of Conservation office. Please use only dead wood for fires, leave huts clean and tidy and carry out any rubbish.

Serviced Hut: $10 (Central Whirinaki Hut)Bunks or sleeping platforms with mattresses, water supply, heating, toilet and hand washing facilities. May have cooking facilities and a warden on a seasonal basis.

Standard Hut: $5 (all huts except those listed as serviced or basic huts)Bunks or sleeping platforms with mattresses, a toilet and water supply.

Basic Hut: free (Mid Okahu Hut, Upper Matakuhia Hut and Lower Matakuhia Hut)Bunks or sleeping platforms without mattresses. Toilet and stream water.

CampingThere are several attractive, easily accessible camping areas, including Mangamate Waterfall, Mid Okahu hut area and Okahu road-end camp. These offer basic facilities – river water, sealed vault toilets, and some barbecue areas.

Accommodation and vehicle servicesThese services are available in Minginui. For more information contact Rangitaiki Area Office.

Upper Te Hoe Hut (above) and Skips Hut (right). Photos: DOC

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Mountainbikes, motorsport and horsesWhirinaki offers limited opportunities for people with horses, motorsport vehicles or mountainbikes. Old logging roads provide off-road opportunities but are not marked or maintained. Horses, trail bikes, 4 wheel drives and mountain bikes are not permitted on formal walking tracks. Please contact the Rangitaiki Area Office for information on where these activities are permitted.

HuntingDeer and pig hunting are very popular in Whirinaki. Hunters are welcome as they help control wild animal numbers. Deer and pig hunting is available on a permit system year round. Commercial possum trapping and poisoning are on a managed block system. Contact the Rangitaiki Area Office for more information.

DogsDogs are allowed in some areas for hunting and other purposes but permits must be obtained for them. Please check with the Rangitaiki Area Office for up to date information on where dogs are allowed.

For your safetyThe weather in the park can be very unpredictable and visitors should be prepared for cold, wet spells even in summer. Frosts and snow are also likely on high ground throughout the year. High rainfall causes rivers in the area to rise very quickly although they usually fall rapidly once the rain stops. You need to be well prepared for tramping and walking in the park. Please ensure you have:

• Strong, comfortable boots• Warm clothing (wool or polypropelene)• A good raincoat• A first aid kit• Food and water• A map

For tramping trips you will need other items such as a gas cooker, plenty of food and drink, a map and compass. The appropriate maps for these trips are NZMS 260 series V18 Whirinaki, V19 Te Haroto, or Waikaremoana Whirinaki Recreation Areas Terramap. Check the route with Department of Conservation staff before you leave and obtain up-to-date information on the area.

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• Protect plants and animals

• Remove rubbish

• Keep streams and lakes clean

• Keep to the track

• Consider others

• Respect cultural heritage

• Enjoy your visit and

Environmental Care Code

Please record your intentions with reliable relatives or friends or at the Rangitaiki Area Office and fill in Intention Books at the start and finish of tracks and at each hut.

The true right or left of a waterway is determined when facing downstream.

Track classificationTracks described in this booklet are classified as follows:

Short walk: well formed track with easy grades. Constructed to ‘shoe’ standard. Suitable for people of all ages and abilities

Walking track: a defined, formed track. Constructed to ‘shoe’ standard. Suitable for people of most ages and abilities.

Tramping track: limited track formation, often with steep grades. Constructed to ‘boot’ standard. Suitable for fit, experienced and adequately equipped people.

Route: tracks lightly cut, marked or unmarked often with steep grades. Suitable for experienced, fit, well-equipped people with good navigation skills. Streams and rivers will not be bridged.

Northern rata. Photo: DOC

Interior of the historic Roger’s Hut. Photo: DOC

Whirinaki Falls Track. Photo: S.Frimmel

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Whirinaki Forest Park

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Waiatu Falls. Photo: DOC

2. Waiatiu Falls Track1½ hours return via the same track. Access from River Road carpark.

An easy, well graded track that passes through magnificent podocarp forest. The falls are spectacular. Take your camera.

Walking tracks There are a number of superb short walks close to Minginui varying from one hour to a full day. These are aimed at giving visitors an insight to the forest without taking too much time or requiring special skills. All of the walks in the next two sections except Skips Hut (8) are shown on the Whirinaki Short Walks map on page 15.

1. Forest Sanctuary1¼ hour loop trackAccess from Sanctuary Road, off Minginui Road

Start across the walk bridge from the carpark. The sanctuary protects a striking remnant of podocarp forest. NB: This is a Kiwi Zone - dogs are not permitted.

3. H-tree Track45 minute loop trackAccess from Fort Road, off River Road

This is an easy walk through grand podocarp forest. featuring an unusually shaped rimu tree. The forest here is home to a large population of native birds including kaka and robin. Early mornings or late afternoons are great for seeing and/or hearing the birds.

4. Te Whaiti-Nui-A-Toi Canyon15 minutes to the CanyonAccess from River Road carpark.

This short well-graded walk follows the start of the Whirinaki Track to the spectacular canyon. The forest is rich with birds and plants, including spectacular views of all five huge podocarp species.

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Arohaki Lagoon. Photo: DOC

5. Arohaki Lagoon3-4 hours return via same trackAccess from Lagoon Carpark, just past River Road Carpark.

An easy half to full day walk depending on how much you want to explore. The track passes through impressive tawa/podocarp forest. The rain fed lagoon is surrounded by towering kahikatea and is often alive with frogs.

6. Waterfall Loop Track3-4 hour loop track Access from River Road Carpark

This easy loop track follows the Whirinaki River through superb podocarp forest with many excellent vantage points along the way. The waterfall can be heard from some distance. Take your lunch to enjoy along the way.

7. Taupiri Lookout1 hour returnAccess is signposted from Main Road / South Road.

This historic fire lookout is a 27 km round trip from Minginui. It offers awesome 360 degree views of the area. On a fine clear day you can see the bluffs of Maungapohatu, Mt. Tauhara, Mt. Ruapehu, Mt. Tarawera and the Paeroa Range.

8. Skip’s (Whangatawhia) Hut3-4 hours return via same trackAccess from Okahu Road end. Map: pages 10/11

This easy walk follows the Whangatawhia Stream to the hut. Many footbridges provide picturesque forest and stream views.

Whirinaki Recreation Camp tracks9. Loop Track to River

30 minutesAccess below the Recreation Camp.

An easy walk along the Whirinaki River and back up to the camp through native forest.

10. Lookout Track 1 hour

Access from the Recreation Camp.

The easy walk starts across the road from the Recreation Camp and winds uphill to a clearing giving great views. This track has interpretation stations exploring various aspects of the forest. A factsheet for school groups is also available from the Rangitaiki Area Office.

11. Wiremu Merito Reserve Track 1 hour Access from the Recreation Camp.

A well graded and interpreted track through magnificant podocarp forest.

Whirinaki Recreation CampLocated on Old Te Whaiti Road, about 5 km from Minginui Village. Accommodation is available for family, school and educational groups. Environmental education resources are also available. The camp has a covered cooking and eating area with an open fire. There are fireplaces in all the huts (firewood supplied) and flush toilets behind the huts. Wheelchair access is available to one toilet and hut. For more information or to make a booking (up to 10 months in advance) contact the Rangitaiki Area Office.

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Whirinaki short walks map

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Whirinaki TrackWhirinaki Track is the highest standard tramping track in the park. It is a relatively easy trip suitable for people of low to moderate fitness levels.

Walkers can travel north to south from the River Road Carpark, Minginui or south to north from Plateau Carpark. It can also be travelled as a circuit (as described) starting from either end or as part of a larger walk linking with the Te Hoe or Moerangi Tracks.

Plateau Carpark is about 43 km from Minginui along forestry roads. From Minginui, turn up Main Road, (becomes South Road). After about 30 minutes turn left on to Pine Milling Road and follow the ‘Whirinaki Track’ signs.

Access to Plateau Carpark is also through Kaingaroa Forest via Wairupakau Road, Low Level Road, Wainuki Arterial/Ngapuketurua Road, Kiorenui Road and Main Road, following ‘Whirinaki Track’ signs. Access permits for forestry roads must be organised from Kaingaroa Timberlands Office at Waiotapu, SH38.

From the Napier/Taupo Highway, exit on Pohokura Road (between Waipunga Falls Lookout and Rangitaiki pub), cross the Waipunga River and drive north to ‘Whirinaki Track’ signs on Pine Milling Road.

Track description

12. River Road Carpark to Central Whirinaki Hut 4½ hours

Giant podocarp trees surround the River Road Carpark. The track meanders down the forested river terraces of Oriuwaka Ecological Area to Te Whaiti-Nui-A-Toi Canyon. Here the river cuts through an ancient lava flow with spectacular results. The main track continues up the true right bank of the river, crossing Moerangi and Mangamate Streams. The next stop, Whirinaki Waterfall (1¼ hours ), is about 200 m off the main track to Central Whirinaki Hut (25 bunks). View the falls from the bridge.

Retrace your steps to the Central Whirinaki Hut turn-off. A further 45 minutes from the turn-off is Vern’s Camp, the site of an old track cutters camp. This is a good place to stop for lunch, with water available at the stream at the southern end of the clearing. From Vern’s Camp the track follows high above the river giving some birds-eye views. Beware of ongaonga (stinging nettle)! Whio (blue duck) are often seen along this section of the track. Kakanui Stream is the next convenient place for a stop (1 hour).

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Central Whirinaki Hut stands in a large grassy clearing, with the river nearby. It is about 1½ hours from Kakanui Stream and about 4½ hours from the carpark. There are hut wardens quarters located at the hut and volunteer hut warden opportunities are regularly available.

13. Central Whirinaki Hut to Upper Whirinaki Hut 3 hours via Taumutu Stream

The track goes up river to Taumutu Stream (45 minutes) and branches. The turn off to Upper Whirinaki Hut and Mangamate Hut is to your left. At the next intersection turn right (the left hand track leads to Mangamate Hut). After climbing to a small saddle the track drops down through forest to a clearing. Upper Whirinaki Hut (9 bunks) is at the end of the clearing (2¼ hours).

14. Central Whirinaki Hut to Upper Whirinaki Hut 3½ hours via cave

This alternative route to Upper Whirinaki Hut branches off the previously described track at theTaumutu Stream bridge. Cross the bridge and follow the right hand track upstream for 45 minutes to the swing bridge across the Whirinaki River. All river crossings are bridged to this point, providing all weather access.

To reach the cave, cross the main river at the bridge and follow the sign. The cave formed as stream water wore into a pumice deposit creating one large cavern and a smaller one behind it. You may find small creatures such as weta inside. Look also for remnants of charcoal in the pumice; this is the result of the Taupo eruption nearly 2000 years ago, which destroyed local forest.

At the swing bridge the track branches. To carry on to Upper Whirinaki Hut or the Te Hoe catchment take the marked route to the left. From this point on, route finding and river crossing skills are required. After 1½ hours

Having fun in Whirinaki. Photo: DOC

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another intersection is reached. Here the route branches three ways. The route to the right (14a - 3.6 km) climbs very steeply back to the Plateau carpark (2½ hours), another (14b - 10.2 km) continues to follow the river towards Upper Te Hoe for 2½ hours. The third goes up a small tributary on the true right to Upper Whirinaki Hut, situated at the end of a small clearing (20 minutes).

15. Central Whirinaki Hut to Plateau carpark 2¾ hours

From the cave bridge junction, follow the right hand track. It is steep at first but the grade eases on the ridge. A steady uphill grade is maintained right up to the carpark.

16. Upper Whirinaki Hut to Mangamate Hut 5 hours

NB: Topographic map V18 has both Mangamate Hut and the track to it in the wrong location. Follow the track markings carefully.

Retrace your steps back to Taumutu Stream. Follow the Taumutu downstream to meet Kakaiti Stream. At the junction the track divides, with the left branch following Taumutu Stream back to Central Whirinaki Hut while the right branch heads up Kakaiti Stream to Mangamate Hut (9 bunks). On climbing out of the stream and crossing a saddle, the track drops into Kakanui Stream. Follow the stream until it picks up the benched track which leads to the new Mangamate Hut site.

17. Mangamate Hut to River Road Carpark 3½ hours

From Mangamate Hut the track sidles down the valley, until it reaches the old hut site. From this point the trail follows the stream until it intersects with the main Whirinaki Track. Turn right to bring you back to the River Road Carpark in a further 50 minutes.

Warnings● There are many stream crossings

in sections 13, 14,16 and 17. They can become unsafe in high rainfall. If unsure, return to the hut until the stream can be negotiated safely.

● Beware of ongaonga or stinging nettle (pictured right). It can give a very painful sting, which may last several days. Wearing long pants helps avoid many of the stings.

Te Hoe TrackThe Te Hoe Track provides access to the more remote areas of Whirinaki Forest Park. Tramping in this area is rugged and requires high fitness levels.

The network of tracks allows trampers options varying in length from 3 to 7 days. The trip can be started at the Okahu roadend or at Pukahunui roadend or walked as a round trip incorporating Moerangi Hut, Mangamate Hut and Upper Whirinaki Hut. This guide follows from south to north.

To access the Pukahunui track end follow the road signs for the ‘Whirinaki Track’ as far as the Plateau Road turnoff. Keep to Pine Milling Road and you will drop down to the Pukahunui Stream, cross two bridges and the track starts about 1 km further down the road.

Access to the northern end of the track is through the Okahu Valley, about 9 km past the Minginui turnoff on Ruatahuna Road. The track begins at the end of Okahu Valley Road (about 11 km).

Track description

18. Pukahunui Roadend to Upper Te Hoe Hut 4½ hours

From the Pukahunui road end, the track climbs steeply to the dividing ridge between the Whirinaki catchment and the Te Hoe catchment. The ridge is about 1275 m highand clothed in high altitude beech forest. It often snows here in the winter. About 2½ hours walk from the road end, the track from Upper Whirinaki Hut joins the ridge (the track from Upper Whirinaki Hut to the junction takes about 3½ hours with a steep climb up from Whirinaki Stream). Continue along the Te Hoe Track which winds down to Upper Te Hoe Hut (2 hours).

19. Upper Te Hoe to Central Te Hoe Hut 4½ hours

The track to Central Te Hoe Hut (15 bunks) is on the true left of the Te Hoe River. This is an all weather track – it is mostly benched and all major river crossings are bridged. The track can be very exposed to wind, rain and snow. Drinking water must be carried.

In fine weather and low river conditions an alternative route follows the river through the gorge. The route is unmarked and only highly experienced people should attempt this.

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20. Central Te Hoe Hut to Mangakahika Hut 3½ hours

From Central Te Hoe Hut return to the swingbridge and follow the creek bed up to the Bullring Clearing (1¾ hours). This section has a lot of ongaonga (stinging nettle) – wearing long pants helps avoid many of the stings. From here the track crosses a saddle and drops into the Te Wairoa Stream, meandering to Mangakahika Hut (9 bunks). Mistletoe flowers high in the red beech in mid summer through this section. North Island brown kiwi can sometimes be heard in the late evening.

21. Mangakahika Hut to Roger’s Hut 3 hours

The track from Mangakahika to Roger’s (Te Wairoa) Hut follows the river. About 1¼ hours from the start there is a low saddle. Keep a good watch for track markers as this section is not benched though it is relatively flat. Roger’s Hut (6 bunks) is on a cleared terrace above the river. The hut is named after the builder’s son, born while the hut was under construction.

22. Roger’s Hut to Moerangi Hut 4 hours

At Roger’s Hut the track divides. One branch goes up the Moerangi Stream to Moerangi Hut (9 bunks) and the other branch goes to Skip’s Hut.

The track to Moerangi is well marked but some stream crossings are required. About 3½ hours up the track the river branches and the hut is found several minutes up the true right branch of the stream on a river terrace. Whio (blue duck) are often seen in the stream section of the trip and around the hut.

23. Moerangi Hut to River Road Carpark 4½ hours

From Moerangi Hut go back down to the main track. Continue on along the stream terrace and over a low ridge into the true left fork of the Moerangi Stream. The track travels up the stream gradually getting narrower and steeper. After 1½ hours the track heads out of the stream and up to the ridge just south of Moerangi Mountain.

The next section of the track is being realigned over 2005/06. The track is well defined as it sidles around Moerangi and down a ridge to link with an historic logging track (1½ hours ). Veer right and follow this old road for about 45 minutes then turn left back onto the tramping track and continue down to join the Waterfall Loop Track. Turn right and the carpark is 30 minutes away.

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24 Roger’s Hut to Skip’s Hut 1½ hours

The track from Roger’s Hut to Skip’s Hut (9 bunks) heads north along the true left of the Whakangatuwhio Stream and through a saddle into the Whangatawhia Stream. The track runs above the river with some good views.

25. Skip’s Hut to Okahu Road End 2 hours

From Skip’s Hut, the track sidles gently upstream out of the Whangatawhia Stream over a saddle and down into the Okahu Valley to the road end.

Waipunga area tramping tracksTo access the track follow the directions to Plateau Road Carpark (see p16). Continue along Pine Milling Road (past the Plateau Road turn-off) After about 1.5 km the Matakuhia access road (signposted) goes off to the right of a skid site. The track starts about 200 m along this access road.

26. Carpark to Upper Matakuhia Hut 2½ hours

A benched track sidles down to the valley then follows the stream to Upper Matakahuia Hut (8 bunks). The hut is situated on the stream’s true left in a clearing.

27. Upper Matakuhia Hut to Lower Matakuhia Hut 6 hours

This is a marked route and a high level of experience is required. The route follows what was once a benched track, but there are many slips and deviations from the original line. After 3 hours, the Opureke track junction is reached, shortly afterwards cross the stream and carry on down the true right of the stream to Lower Matakuhia Hut (6 bunks).

28. Opureke Track 3 hours

Access: from SH5 turn onto Waipunga Road. The track is signposted on the right about 4.5 km down the road.

Follow orange markers through pine plantation to the bush edge. The route then continues up to and follows the ridge to a point where it overlooks the Matakuhia Stream. It then descends to and crosses the stream, where it intersects with the Matakuhia Track. Head right to go to Lower Matakuhia Hut (3 hours) or left to Upper Matakuhia Hut (3 hours).

Department of Conservation

Rangitaiki Area Office

PO Box 114State Highway 38MuruparaPhone: 07 3661080Fax: 07 3661082

Web: www.doc.govt.nz

Department of ConservationTe Papa AtawhaiBay of Plenty Conservancy© Crown Copyright 2005

ISBN: 0-478-14040-1