Waitengaue Track
Track category
Tramping track
Time:
4 hr one way
Distance:
9.8 km
Description
From Woodlands Road the track follows the fence line. A suspension bridge crosses the Wairoa Stream to a track junction. The Wairoa Pack Track branches off to the left and the Waitengaue Track is on the right. The track heads westward before crossing the Waitengaue Stream. Shortly the track crosses the stream (a rough emergency bypass avoids the two stream crossings) and back to the true right. It follows the river and then a side creek before climbing over a saddle to the former Waitengaue Hut site.
The track crosses the Waitengaue Stream before joining the path of the former Waitengaue tramway and heading upstream, crossing twice. A junction with the track to Ananui Falls and Bluff Stream is reached. The track then crosses the stream and continues along the tramway. It follows this up a tributary, then over a saddle before descending into the Waitawheta Valley. It meets the Waitawheta Tramway Track. 100m to the right of the junction is the Waitawheta Hut, built on an old mill site.
Getting there
Waitengaue Track begins on Woodlands road, off SH 2 North of Katikati.
Plan and prepare
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 advisible 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.