Manganuku, Wahaatua, Pakihi Heads Track
Track category
Tramping track
Time:
10 - 12 hr
Description
Campsite to Manganuku Hut
Time: 3 - 4 hr
From the Northern side of the truss bridge, take the bottom track which leads into the Manganuku Stream. Follow the benched track on the true right of the stream. The track forks before reaching the Little Manganuku Stream. The right fork will lead you down to the Manganuku Stream. There are two deep stream crossings in high flow. Follow the river bed route to the Managanuku Hut.
Alternatively take the left fork which crosses Little Manganuku Stream before descending to the Manganuku Stream. Follow the river bed route to the Manganuku Hut.
Manganuku Hut to Wahaatua Hut
Time: 4 - 6 hr
From Manganuku Hut continue upstream for 1km to reach a set of forks. Take the true left fork and continue upstream. At the next set of forks, take the true right fork and head up the next stream on the true right.
Keep heading north upstream for about 3km where the going becomes much flatter and easier. Look for the track on the true left to head up and into the head of the Whaatua Stream. Walk down the stream for 4km to reach Wahaatua Hut on the true left.
Wahaatua Hut to Pakihi Heads Hut
Time: 2 - 3 hr
Follow the markged track on the opposite side of the stream up and over the ridge to Pakihi Heads Hut. To head out to Motu, walk down the creek (in low flow) or up through the farmland. This route crosses private land, please phone the landowner first to confirm access. Contact the Opotiki Area Office for details:
Getting there
The track starts beside the Manganuku Campsite, located 47km from Opotiki, adjacent to SH2 and the Manganuku Bridge. It ends at Motu.