Tuahu Track
Tramping track
Time:
5 hr
Distance:
11.9 km
Getting there
Located within the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park, this track begins at the end of Hot Springs Road, just south of Katikati off State Highway 2.
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.
Description
Start at the end of Hot Springs Road, off State Highway 2 and follow the marked track. A ten minute detour will take you to the Tuahu Kauri, a mature stand of kauri trees. The Tuahu Track continues up for 15 mins to cross the Te Rereatukahia Stream before climbing on moderate grade, sidling in and out of gullies for a further hour before meeting the North South Track at the summit. Past the sumit the track sidles around the steep western escarpment of the Kaimai Range offering many views over the Waikato. Also visible are the Killarney Lakes below.
The track descends gradually until it meets the Waihou Valley Pine Forest, leaving the Forest Park. The track leaves the bridle track and follows access roads through private forestry for one hour to Wairakau Road.
Plan and prepare
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
Please consult a topographic map.