Rerekapa Track
Tramping track
Time:
3 - 4 hr
Getting there
This track is located 68 km north of New Plymouth. Turn of at Uruti onto Uruti Road, then Moki Road. Turn left onto Kiwi Road, the track starts 12 km onlong on the right. Please park your car on the roadside.
More detailed information about the area can be found on NZMS 260 topo sheets R18 and R19.
About the area
The scenic Moki and Kiwi roads are narrow and unsealed and historically significant. They were made around 1910 by road workers using wheelbarrows, picks and shovels. The Moki Rd was originally a pack trail from Uruti to Tahora.
Description
The Rerekapa track starts at Kiwi Rd and crosses open farmland, through two gates, then turns left across Blacketts Creek. The track skirts the base of the ridge and winds to the top of a low saddle then down through undisturbed tawa/kamahi forest into the valley. There have been sightings of kokako in this area.
The Boys Brigade hut is at the head of the valley, 1hr from Kiwi Rd. Past the hut on the left is the headwaters of the Waitara River. The track reaches a boundary fence and crosses a farm, following the fence to a former homestead site and the 10m high Rerekapa Falls (2hr 45min from Kiwi Rd).
Beyond the farm buildings the track re-enters the Moki forest which, on this section of the track has been logged but not cleared.
The track finally emerges opposite the picnic area on the Mangapapa Rd, which links Moki and Okau Rds and is part of the historic Stratford/Taumarunui Heritage Trail.
Toilets, a barbecue and camping area are located in a clearing a few metres off the Mangapapa Rd. The clearing is easily accessible by car and the Rerekapa Falls are only 1hr from this point. Either arrange to have a car waiting at Mangapapa Rd, or return to Kiwi Rd (3.5hr).
Activities
Mountain biking
This Grade 3+ track offers a rugged ride through farmland and some of Taranaki’s most wild and remote conservation area.
Combined with the Moki 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.
Moki Track
Plan and prepare
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