Waimana Valley tracks
Alert/Important notice
Bridge closed
The bridge over Te Umukuri Stream (locally known as the Broken Bridge) on the 6ft Track, just south of Tauwhare Manuka has been washed out due to recent heavy rains. Visitors will need to walk across the stream.
Track category
Tramping track
Description
Ohora Hut track
Time: 3 - 5 hr
Just inside the park boundary (opposite the old ranger station site) on Matahi Valley Road a sign directs you to the start of the Pohatu Track. Follow the Orouamananui Stream before reaching a steep climb to the saddle. The track then descends to the left to reach Pohatu Stream. Walk downstream until you reach the Pohatu-Ohora Stream intersection and continue downstream from here to reach Ohora Hut. The hut has 19 bunks and is located on the true left of the Ohora Stream.
Onepu Hut track
Time: 4 - 6 hr
Drive 1.5 km past Ogilvies Bridge to reach the start of the Onepu Track. Cross the Tauranga River at the signpost and continue up onto a blackberry covered terrace that leads through to the bush edge. Follow the marked track up and along the ridge tops until the track drops down to meet Onepu Hut (7 bunks).
Please note: the river crossing can be difficult when the river level is up - there is an all-weather track available which begins at the Ogilvies Campsite (see below).
All Weather Track
Time: 30 min
Return to the Ogilvies Bridge where the all-weather track begins at the back of the camping area on the western side of the road. The track is marked to where it meets the main track at the rear of the blackberry terrace.
Te Waiiti Stream via Te Pona a Pita Track
Time: 1 - 2 hr
This track is well formed and starts from the carpark at the southern end of Ogilvies Bridge. Te Pona a Pita Track is suitable for all ages and the less fit. It begins with a graded climb around the side of Ogilvies Ridge. A seat there provides a welcome rest stop and an excellent view down to the Matahi area of the valley.
From here the track sidles down into Te Waiiti Valley where Te Waiiti Stream flats provide excellent picnic and camping sites.
One of our nationally threatened species is found here, the whio or blue duck (Hymenolanimus malacorhynchos). Whio have an extraordinary ability to manoeuvre and swim amongst fast-moving currents, and are most active in early morning and on dusk.
Ogilvies Ridge Loop Track
Time: 4 - 6 hr
Follow Te Pona a Pita Track until you reach the lookout and seat on Ogilvies Ridge. From here take the track heading south up Ogilvies Ridge to meet the Tawai Ridge Track. Follow the ridge track west as it leads down to Matahi Valley Road and return to the carpark by walking 2 km back along the road.
This track takes you through the middle of the Otamatuna core area which is part of the Northern Te Urewera Ecosystem Restoration Project and is home to a successfully recovering kokako population. If walking this track in still, mild weather, you are more than likely to hear and/or see kokako.
Please be aware that as this is an intensively managed conservation area, there are many coloured markers and traps present. Please follow the orange triangles only and do not disturb any equipment.
Koaunui Hut via Otamatuna and Tawai Ridge tracks
Time: 4 - 5 hr
The track starts at the marked entrance, 2 km past Ogilvies Bridge on the eastern side of the road. For the first hour the track climbs steeply until it nears the top of the ridge. The track continues over the ridge and curves southwards along the ridgeline between the Waimana and Te Waiiti Valleys until the track reaches a fork. The turnoff to the right leads to the Ngutuoha Stream and the Lions Education Centre (2 hours).
A little over 1 km past this turnoff there is another turnoff on the left which leads to Koaunui Hut (18 bunks). Follow the track down to Te Waiiti Stream and continue downstream for 1 km to reach the hut (on the true right).
Koaunui Hut via "The Wall" Track
Time: 3 - 4 hr
This is the more common route used to reach Koaunui Hut. From the Lions Education Centre walk up the Ngutuoha Stream until you reach the marked turnoff that climbs steeply up "The Wall" Track to reach Tawai Ridge. At the track junction, continue south to reach the Koaunui Hut turnoff (see above).
Tawai Ridge Track to Otapukawa Stream
Time: 3 - 5 hr
Continue past the Koaunui Hut turnoff, following the track along the ridge which leads down to the Otapukawa Stream. From here it is another 3 km downstream to the Matahi Valley Road end or 800 metres upstream to the Otapukawa Hut.
Getting there
These tracks are located in the Waimana Valley at the north end of Te Urewera National Park. The Bell Road turnoff from State Highway 2 is one of the main access routes to this part of the park. The road travels about 30 km up the valley to the Matahi Valley Road end. Caution is advised as most of this road is unsealed, narrow and windy.
About the area
Mist in Waimana Valley, Te Urewera
National Park
The Waimana Valley at the north end of Te Urewera National Park has a great deal to offer visitors, providing opportunities to tramp, fish, hunt and camp. On warm, fine nights keep an eye out for long-tailed bats (Chalinolobus tuberculatus), one of only two endemic land mammals (the short-tailed bat is the other).
Plan and prepare
If you are leaving vehicles in the area take any valuables with you.
True river directions
True directions are the banks of a river as seen facing downstream: true left is the left bank facing in this direction, true right the right bank.
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