Ruahine Corner to Kawhatau Base Track
Track category
Tramping track
Time:
4 days
Description
Day 1: Ruahine Corner to Colenso Hut
Time: 4 - 6 hr
Fly into Ruahine Corner Hut (if possible fly in the evening before and spend a night at this hut in the remote north western park of Ruahine Forest Park). This area has a special mix of vegetation with kaikawaka (mountain cedar) and Hall's Totara forest contrasting with the red tussock covering the flat plateau. The track follows along a craggy ridge with lovely rock formations to Potae high point, with spectacular views along the way. (Due to travel on exposed sections of track this section should not be attempted in poor visibility or bad weather).
From here the track starts to descend and then turns off the main Waikotore Biv track and drops down into Potae Creek. Follow the creek right down to where it joins the Mangatera River and head downstream for approximately 30 min, looking for the sidecreek on the true left that leads to Colenso Hut. There is a narrow part to negotiate at the start of the sidecreek before the valley opens out. Walk up the valley a short way and you will find Colenso Hut situated up on a terrace on the true left.
Day 2: Colenso Hut to Iron Bark Hut
Time: 5 - 6 hr
From Colenso Hut follow the track a short distance to the Lake Colenso turnoff. A short 2 minute track takes you to an excellent vantage point of this very picturesque lake. Continue on the main track passing the track turnoff to the Unknown Campsite and crossing a biggish side creek before climbing a long ridge through forest up and then back down to reach the Waikamaka River just downstream from where the Unknown Stream enters. Iron Bark Hut is across the Waikamaka River on the true left. If the river is high this crossing may not be negotiable.
Day 3: Iron Bark to Otukota Hut
Time: 3 - 4 hr
Follow the Waikamaka River upstream all the way to Otukota Hut. If the river is high you can take a high level track from Iron Bark Hut which climbs to the Park boundary, then down to a swingbridge across the Waikamaka River. It then climbs again to join the track from Maropea Forks Hut to Otukota Hut.
Day 4: Otukota Hut to Kawhatau Base
Time: 6 - 8 hr
From Otukota Hut climb steeply to the tops of the Mokai Patea Range and pick up the tussock ridge down to Colenso Trig. From here drop steeply down a rocky ridge into forest and down to Kawhatau Base. Until 31 October 2010, you must contact the landowners to make prior arrangements for access to Kawhatau base. The gate will be locked during this period so if you haven't made arrangements you will not be able to enter. Contact details are available from the Department of Conservation's Manawatū Rangitīkei Area Office.
Due to travel on unmarked tops this section should not be attempted in poor visibility or bad weather.
Volunteer opportunities
There are several different volunteer opportunities available to the public in this area.
Getting there
To make this four day tramping option possible, parties need to arrange helicopter transport to Ruahine Corner Hut. A vehicle needs to be left at Kawhatau Base for transport on completion of the tramp. NB There is no legal access from Iron Bark Hut out to the roadend through Mokai Station.
Plan and prepare
Location map
