Hauturu Highpoint Track
Tramping track
Time:
5 hr return
Distance:
3.3 km one way
Getting there
From North – SH 12 towards Opononi. 4 km before Opononi turn left (sign posted) onto Waiotemarama Gorge Road. Follow it for 6 km to reach the start of the Waiotemarama Bush Walk (sign posted).
From South – SH 12 towards Opononi. Pass the town Waimamaku, 6 km before Opononi, turn right (sign posted) onto Waiotemarama Gorge Road. Follow for another 4 km to reach the start of the Waiotemarama Bush Walk (sign posted).
This track starts at the top of the loop of the Waiotemarama Waterfall Loop Walk.
About the area
The Waipoua / Waima / Matarau forest is the largest intact area of high altitude, kauri, and coastal forest associations in Northland. It spans a full altitudinal sequence from the coast to the highest points in Northland (Te Raupua 781 metres, Ngapukehau 762 metres and Mt Misery 728 metres).
The cold, high bluffs of Waima Forest are home to rare woody plants found nowhere else, including karamu (Coprosma waima), a tree daisy (Olearia crebra) and a very recently discovered tree – Turoa onamata (Ackama nubicola).
These plants, thought to be relics of a past ice age, are eaten by possums (and other browsers), though they have benefited from sustained ground-based possum control since 1995.
Description
Tree ferns at Waiotemaramara
The ascent up to Hauturu is steep and slippery when wet but the views obtained at the top are worth the climb. Once you have reached the top of the Waiotemarama Waterfall Loop Walk after about 1½ hours, you may attempt to climb to the Hauturu Trig if time (daylight hours) and fitness permit. The Hauturu track starts from the top of the loop as indicated by the sign and can take up to 2½ hours one-way.
Along the track you will enjoy a range of landscapes and forests that consist of a great variety of hardwoods including tawa and towai; some podocarps such as totara and miro are also present. An Oleania spp restricted to the area is found on the edge of the viewpoint at the top of the track and may be of interest to botanists.
Places to stay
The Waipoua campground and Waipoua Visitor Centre are now managed by Te Iwi O Te Roroa. For further information and bookings please call +64 9 439 6445.
Plan and prepare
- The track is slippery when wet.
- The track gains 679 metres - abrupt weather changes and exposure to wind chill can be encountered.
- Only attempt this track if time (daylight hours) and fitness permit.
- Allow plenty of time and start the tramp early in the day so you return during daylight.
- Ensure you take warm clothing even during summer.
What to expect on a tramping track:
- Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
- Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
- Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
- Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
- Tramping/hiking boots required
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