Te Rereatukahia Loop Track

Tramping track

Time:  

7 hr return

Distance:  

14 km

Getting there

Located on Hot Springs Road, off SH 2 (just south of Katikati).

Description

The easiest way to do the loop is to start off on the Tuahu Track heading south-west from the end of Hot Springs Road.  Follow the well formed track at the end of the carpark.  It is well worth taking the ten minute detour to visit the two large Tuahu kauri.  The main track then climbs to the Tuahu Saddle on the crest of the range.  The North-South Track crosses the Tuahu at a signposted junction.  A spectacular view of the Waikato can be gained by following the Tuahu Track south for a further 5 minutes.  Return to the junction and turn northward to follow the North South Track.

Continue north on this track until coming to a junction with the track to Te Rereatukahia Hut.  The hut is reached after 5 minutes.  From the hut the track continues along a flat ridge top before descending along a steeper ridge.  About 1 hour after the hut there is a signposted junction with a new section of the North South Track to Wharawhara Valley.  The loop track continues on, passing through two groves of kauri before crossing the river and meeting up with the road 100m down from the carpark.

Plan and prepare

You must be well prepared when tramping on conservation land, especially on longer day walks.  Ensure you have strong, comfortable boots, warm clothing, a good raincoat, first aid kit, food and drink, a hat and sunscreen.  It is also advisable that you leave your tramping intentions with a responsible person, in case you get lost.

Please consult a topographic map.

Mountain biking is not permitted.

What to expect on a tramping track:

• Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
• Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
• Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
• Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
• Tramping/hiking boots required

 

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