Moerangi Track
Located in Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park in the East Coast region
|
Introduction
This shared-use track includes an overnight stop at an historic hut and amazing views from the top of the Moerangi saddle (955 m). Listen for the piercing calls of kiwi at night.
The Moerangi track elevation profile – view larger in Whirinaki walks brochure
35 km one way
Dog access
Day 1: Okahu Rd to Rogers Hut (Te Wairoa)
Time: 3 hr 30 min
Distance: 13 km
Begin at the Okahu Road end; its 2 hr (7 km) from there to Skips Hut (Whangatawhia). From Skips Hut the track climbs up over a saddle before tracking down to Rogers Hut. Rogers Hut is one of the original deer culler huts in the Whirinaki and is constructed of massive beech slabs and even has a stained-glass window! Keep an eye out for the whio/blue duck in the stream next to the hut.
Day 2: Rogers Hut to Moerangi Hut
Time: 3 hr
Distance: 9 km
From Rogers it's an easy walk to the next overnight destination: Moerangi Hut. Moerangi Hut is located about 500 m up a slight detour from the main track. There are plenty of kiwi around the hut so listen for their shrill calls as night falls.
Day 3: Moerangi Hut to River Rd
Time: 4 hr 30 min
Distance: 13 km
The final day of walking includes a big climb over the Moerangi Saddle. The saddle tops out at 955 m and has spectacular views of the Rangitaiki Plains far below. As the track travels down from the saddle it enters lowland podocarp forest. Walk among the giant trees until you end at the River Rd carpark.
Getting there
Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park is 90 km south east of Rotorua.
From Murupara travel south east along Te Whaiti Rd. Once you reach Te Whaiti this road becomes Ruatahuna Rd. Continue along this road for a further 7.5 km until you reach a right hand turn to Okahu Valley Rd. The car park is 9 km south on Okahu Valley Rd. Alternatively, from Te Whaiti turn left onto Minginui Road and follow the signs to River Road car park.
Note: The mountain bike track starts from the Okahu Valley Rd end.
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: BG38 (Wairapukao), BG39 (Ruatahuna)
Know before you go
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.
For the passionate mountain biker the track has earned itself a reputation as a 'must do' track. With 35 km of challenging single track and 1000 m of climbing it's a ride that demands respect but also offers rich rewards - what goes up inevitably comes down!
The three huts on the track are a great place to have a rest and let others catch up. They also pose an opportunity to turn this demanding ride into an overnight adventure.
Okahu Road to Skips Hut
Distance: 7 km
Starting from Okahu Valley Rd car park, the trail immediately climbs towards the first saddle gaining 100 m in height in just 1 km. The rewards are instant. The trail then has an undulating descent following the Whangatawhia Stream for a further 6 km. There are numerous bridges to cross before reaching Skips Hut.
Skips Hut to Rogers Hut
Distance: 6 km
From Skips Hut the trail continues along the Whangatawhia Stream a short distance before beginning a sustained climb of 150 m. Once the saddle is reached after 2 km, a fast and flowing 2.5 km descent follows. Rogers Hut is the perfect stopping point at the confluence of the Moerangi and Wairoa streams.
Rogers Hut to Moerangi Hut
Distance: 9 km
Leaving Rogers Hut the track heads west (take a right at the junction) up the Moerangi Stream. This section is an undulating climb with some steeper pinches. The right hand side of the track has some exposed sections with large drop offs - take care. Don’t miss the short detour to Moerangi Hut if you are keen on a visit.
Moerangi Hut to River Road
Distance: 13 km
Immediately from the hut the real climbing begins. The trail continues to weave its way up the Moerangi Stream for a short period before ascending the saddle. The climb is steep and sustained gaining almost 300 m - most will find it a challenge. A rest point is available at the saddle and some cell phone reception is possible.
From the saddle it's a fast and long descent loosely following the ridge line before dropping down to the Whirinaki River. Take care as the sides of the track have large drop offs. This is a stunning section of downhill riding that is sure to please.
From Te Whaiti Nui A Toi Canyon it is a short climb to the River Rd car park.
Navigation tip: keep an eye on the green trail markers that line the side of the Moerangi Track to ensure you stay on track.
Getting there
Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park is 90 km south east of Rotorua.
From Murupara travel south east along Te Whaiti Rd. Once you reach Te Whaiti this road becomes Ruatahuna Rd. Continue along this road for a further 7.5 km until you reach a right hand turn to Okahu Valley Rd. The car park is 9 km south on Okahu Valley Rd.
The bike track starts from Okahu Valley Rd and ends at River Road car park. To get to River Road car park turn left off Te Whaiti onto Minginui Road and follow the signs.
Mountain bikers should only start from Okahu Valley Rd.
Know before you go
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website.
Safety on the Moerangi Mountain Bike Track
This is a dual (shared use) track for both walkers and mountain bikers. People heading uphill should give way to those heading down.
This bike track starts at the Okahu Valley Road end. Do not start from River Road car park as this may cause head-on injuries with other bikes coming through from Okahu.
Mountain bikers should dismount at every major bridge crossing and walk your bike across.
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 | |