Nikau Flat and Kotepato Tracks
Located in Ōpōtiki area and Waioeka Conservation Area in the East Coast region
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Introduction
These two scenic tracks offer excellent opportunity for trout fishing and hunting. The Nikau Flat Track follows alongside the Waioeka River and the Kotepato Track follows alongside the Te Pato Stream.Dog access
These two tracks are accessed through private land. Both tracks follow rivers giving a scenic experience through native bush. There are good swimming holes alongside the Nikau Flat Track and great fishing so take your time and enjoy. The gradient for the majority of these tracks is mostly easy but a good level of fitness is required for adults and children.
Redpath Road end to Kotepato Hut
Time: 2 to 3 hours one way
Follow the farm track to bush edge where you will cross the Waioeka River. From here the track follows the Te Pato upstream taking about 30 mins to reach the Kotepato Hut.
Redpath Road end to Nikau Flat Hut
Time: 3 to 4 hours one way
Follow the farm track to the bush edge then a well benched track follows the Waioeka River on the true left finishing at the Nikau Flat Hut on a grassy river flat.
Backcountry experience required.
Nikau Flat Hut to Kotepato Hut
Time: 2 to 3 hours
From Nikau Flat Hut, continue north along the Waioeka River. About 1.5 hr north of the hut there is a track to the east that takes you on a 1 km detour up Te Pato Stream to Kotepato Hut.
Kotepato Hut to Wairata Road end
Time: 1 to 2 hours
From Kotepato Hut return to the Waioeka River and head downstream. The track turns into a 4WD road and reaches Redpath Road after 4 km.
Travel halfway (42 km) through the Waioeka Gorge on SH2 from Opotiki. Turn into Wairata Rd and travel for 2 km before turning right and crossing a bridge onto Redpath Rd. Continue down Redpath Rd until you reach the stockyards at the road end. Park in the designated area.
You will walk 1 - 2 hours across private farmland on a farm track before reaching the bush where signage will direct you to either tracks.
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Choose the right trip for you. Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
- Understand the weather. Check weather forecasts.
- Pack warm clothes and extra food. Check gear lists.
- Share your plans and take ways to get help. Share directly or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk. Take a distress beacon.
- Take care of yourself and each other.
Contacts
| Whakatane Office | |
| Phone: | 0800 275 362 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | easternbop@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
9 Louvain Street Whakatane |
| Postal Address: |
P O Box 457 Whakatane 3120 |
| Full office details | |