Wakarara Road End routes
Track category
Route
Description
Gold Creek Hut route
Time: 3 - 4 hr from road end
From the Makaroro River at its confluence with Gold Creek, a track starts on the true right of Gold Creek and follows a long gentle ridge through beech forest with horopito undergrowth. It turns right and descends to the hut which is on the true left of Gold Creek.
A round trip (6-7 hours) can be completed here by returning down Gold Creek. This river route is not recommended for the inexperienced. Time given is from road end.
Barlow Hut
Barlow Hut route
Time: 2 - 3 hr
There is an 8 kilometre (approximate) route up the riverbed from the road end to reach Barlow Hut. From the hut there is a 1.5 kilometre connecting track to the Colenso Spur Track. It is also possible to proceed up the river for 6 kilometres to the Upper Makaroro Hut. This route is recommended for experienced trampers only as there are sometimes deep pools and river dams to negotiate in this changing riverbed.
Walks and tracks in the area
Getting there
Wakarara Road is approximately 86 km from Napier. Follow State Highway 50 for 66 km and turn right into Wakarara Road. The routes are accessed from the road end.
Plan and prepare
Caution: All tracks from this road end require a crossing of the Makaroro River or a walk up the riverbed. It is dangerous to attempt to cross the river when the water level is higher than normal.
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