Moki Track

Tramping track

Time:  

8 hr

Distance:  

18 km

Getting there

This track is located 65 km north of New Plymouth via Uruti Rd.  It links the eastern and western ends of the unformed Moki Road.

More detailed information about the area can be found on NZMS 260 topo sheets R18 and R19.

Description

Moki stock tunnel, Moki Track

Access to the western end of the track is from the north side of Moki Rd/Waitara River bridge.

The eastern end of the track starts at the end of the formed Moki Rd, south of the airstrip on farmland.

Gates should be left as found and stock undisturbed.

The track goes through Makino Conservation Area, generally following the south bank of the upper Waitara River.                  

The track began as a surveyed road alignment that was to be developed to service the rehabilitation farms of soldiers after the First World War.

Three farms were established in the valley; the remains of two homesteads can be seen along the eastern end of the track. Land that was cleared is now regenerating.

The track follows generally easy grades and is levelled along most of its 18 km length.  This work was done with wheelbarrows, picks and shovels as early as 1910. The terrain is rough and suspension bridges cross five of the deeper chasms. Both ends of the track pass through some 3 km of farmland before entering the forest, which contains good stands of tawa, kamahi and rimu.  

A return trip is necessary, unless prior transport arrangements have been made.

Activities

This Grade 4+ track offers a rugged ride through farmland and some of Taranaki’s most wild and remote conservation area.

Combined with the Rerekapa Track, these two tracks offer a full day 45 km loop trip for experienced riders, or an overnight trip staying at the campsite off Mangapapa Rd.

Plan and prepare

• Keep to the track.
• Get local advice on track and weather conditions before setting out.
• Take warm clothes, including hat and gloves and waterproof raincoat.

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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