The North-South Track
Route
Time:
5 - 6 days
Distance:
82 km approximately
Getting there
The track starts from Karangahake Gorge, off SH2 at Karangahake. The track exits on to SH29 at the Kaimai Summit.
About the area
Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park has a number of historic mining and kauri logging sites within its boundaries. The park also features several popular tramping tracks.
The walk follows the Kaimai range through the forest park. The area hosts a range of vegetation, from dense low altitude forest to windblown scrub and grassland. Common native birds such as tui and bellbird are readily seen and heard from within the park. Much of the vegetation has been modified by human activity, notably logging and mining from the late 1880s onwards.
Description
The North-South Track takes at least five days of serious tramping. This walk involves both tramping tracks and routes, which can be rugged, unmaintained and unmarked. There are some huts which can be used during this tramp but camping is also necessary along the way. The walk can be shortened by exiting the Forest Park at a side track. The following itinerary, over seven days, is a guide only:
- Day 1 - Karangahake Gorge (SH2) to Dalys Clearing Hut
- Day 2 - Dalys Clearing Hut to Waitawheta Hut
- Day 3 - Waitawheta Hut to Te Rereatukahia Hut
- Day 4 - Te Rereatukahia Hut to Kauritatahi Hut
- Day 5 - Kauritatahi Hut to Wairere Falls
- Day 6 - Wairere Falls to Hurunui Hut
- Day 7 - Hurunui Hut to Kaimai Summit (SH29)
Please contact the Tauranga Area Office for further information and to purchase maps and hut tickets before commencing this tramp:
Places to stay
This is a standard 16-bunk hut in the Tauranga area.
This is a serviced 26-bunk hut in the Tauranga area.
This is a standard 12-bunk hut in the Tauranga area.
This is a basic three-bunk hut in the Tauranga area.
This is a basic three-bunk hut in the Tauranga area.
Huts along the track provide basic shelter. There are also a number of tent sites, and at least one night must be spent camping (between Kauritatahi and Hurunui huts, in the vicinity of Wairere Falls). Hut tickets are required.
Plan and prepare
Please consult a topographic map.
Camping required.
You must be well prepared when tramping on conservation land, especially on the 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.
What to expect on a route:
- Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
- Track unformed and natural, rough, muddy or very steep
- Suitable for people with above average fitness. High level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
- Complete self sufficiency required
- Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
- Sturdy tramping/hiking boots required
back to top