Mt. Damper to Te Rerepahupahu Falls track
Track category
Tramping track
Time:
7 hr 30 min - 9 hr
Description
Te Rerepahpahu Falls
This track is only recommended for fit and experienced trampers.
It is the longest of the Waitaanga Forest walks and is an overnight trip.
The 15 min walk to Mt Damper Falls (74 m) is well marked and leads to the lookout platform. From the falls follow the signpost, then white poles to the stile and entrance to the Waitaanga Forest. Follow the disc markers to the left. There are extensive views over the Waitaanga Forest to the Kotare Scenic Reserve in the north.
After 1 hr 30 min the track climbs a small spur through regenerating kamahi, reaching the main ridge 30 min later. The track then enters tawa forest interspersed with mature rimu and rata. You reach Mt Damper after 2 hr 30 min - 3 hr. The summit marker (528 m) is on a side ridge to the left of the track.
After 6 hr the track descends to the Waitaanga River Valley. South from the ridge are views of the beech forest in the Tatu track region. After a further 30 min, the track comes to the edge of a high bluff with a view of one of the last remaining unlogged mixed podocarp forests in Taranaki.
Descend to the river valley and cross the swingbridge. Turn left and walk for 45 min to the next track junction, where you turn left again to Te Rerepahupahu Falls. There is a clearing beside the falls which can be used for camping. There are no other facilities.
The next day, from the campsite, you can return to Mt Damper Falls carpark (7.5 hr), or with prior transport arrangement:
Getting there
The route starts from Mt Damper Falls carpark on the Okau Road off State Highway 3 north of New Plymouth.
About the area
Waitaanga Forest is unusual in that it contains the only remnant silver beech stand in Taranaki. In addition, poorly drained parts support a number of other regionally rare plants such as giant astelias, dracophyllum, (neinei) and swamp sedges. The forest is also home to the short tailed bat and the endangered dactylanthus taylori (wood rose).
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
