Maratoto and Wentworth Valley tramping tracks

Tramping track

Getting there

The Maratoto area is accessed via Maratoto Road at Hikutaia between Thames and Paeroa while the Wentworth Valley is south of Whangamata via Wentworth Valley Road.

Description

Wires Track, Maratoto

Time: 2 hr 30 min to Wires Plateau 

The track is signposted off Wires Road (via Maratoto Road) 500 metres before the gate and car park. The wires track is named after the telephone line which used to run through the Maratoto. Remnants of these old telephone poles can be seen along the track, as can the fence from an old cattle holding pen. Two beautiful falls are found not far off the track on the Hamuti Stream. As well as the falls, there are side excursions that can be made along the track to large kauri and totara trees.  

Wentworth Falls

In places the track is steep, and during winter there can be muddy spots, but the track is well marked and gives lovely views across Maratoto. The track finishes where it meets the 4-wd track. It is possible to loop back to the carpark via the 4-wd track, this takes less than two hours, but note that the track is designed for 4-wd vehicles, not trampers, so care must be taken.

Maratoto/Wentworth Crossing

Time: 5 hr one way

From the Wires Plateau, trampers can continue on the 4-wd vehicle track to connect with the Wentworth Valley Track. Recommended for experienced trampers only.

Take extreme care on multi-use tracks and respect the rights of other users. 

Plan and prepare

Many of the mine workings are partially collapsed and unsafe, please keep to marked tracks.

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

back to top