Maharahara Peak Track
Track category
Tramping track
Time:
6 hr
Description
This is a well defined but often muddy track that climbs steeply through typical southern Ruahine rimu, kamahi and tawa forest. Higher up the track passes through more shrubby species such as horopito, flax and pink pine. From here it heads across a series of open, rocky knolls to Mt Maharahara. The scratchy, leathery leaved shrub leatherwood is evident on the tops here. The southern Ruahine ranges have the largest, unbroken mass of leatherwood in New Zealand.
If transport has been arranged it is possible to continue on past Maharahara and complete a west-east crossing of the park coming out at either Kumeti or Fairbrothers Road. Allow 7-9 hr for these options.
Getting there
From Ashhurst head north up the Pohangina Valley and turn onto the Pohangina Valley East Road. Follow this until you reach the Opawe Road turnoff on your right just before the Highland Youth Camp. The track to Maharahara crosses farm land from the end of this road.
About the area
The rata and kamahi forest that once thrived in this southern area of the park has been severely damaged over the years by possums. Introduced as early as the 1890's, their chomping, in combination with high winds, heavy rains and slips, contributed to a major forest collapse by the 1950's. Today the forest has more horopito, rangiora, bush lawyer and toetoe - all species possums don't favour.
Plan and prepare
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.
Location map
