Urchin and Umukarikari tracks
Located in Kaimanawa Forest Park in the Central North Island region
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Introduction
Climb above the bush line to the exposed alpine ridge of Umukarikari and Mount Urchin. Enjoy fantastic views and access the Waipakihi valley and hut.14 km | 8 km | 18.5 km
Dog access
Umukarikari Track to Waipakihi Hut
Time: 6 - 8 hr one way
Distance: 14 km
The track climbs steadily through beech forest to the treeline. From there it follows a poled route along the Umukarikari Range (summit 1561 m) before dropping down to Waipakihi Hut. It's popular with hunters as well as trampers.
Urchin Track to Waipakihi Valley
Time: 3 - 4 hr one way
Distance: 7 km
The track climbs steadily up through beech forest and above the bush line to the Urchin Trig (1391 m) (3 - 4 hours). The upper section has an interesting array of alpine plants and a wide vista of Lake Taupō and the volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park.
From here, the track travels for about 2 km across open tops before dropping sharply down to the mid reaches of Waipakihi River Valley. There are many great places to camp in the valley or you can continue upstream to Waipākihi Hut near the top of the valley (an additional 5 - 6 hours walk).
U2U: Urchin to Umukarikari loop
Time: 8 hr 30 min - 10 hr
Distance: 18.5 km
Starting on the Urchin Track, climb up onto the tops, but instead of dropping down to the Waipakihi River Valley, carry on straight ahead towards Sharp Cone (1481 m) following a bushed ridge line. Once you meet the Umukarikari Track, the track carries on west along the tops and then drops down to the Umukarikari carpark.
This has become a popular long one day loop, but please note a car shuttle is required, as there is a distance between Urchin and Umukarikari carparks.
Mountain biking
No mountain biking allowed.
The tracks are signposted on Kaimanawa Road, 15 km south of Tūrangi off SH1.
When planning a trip in this area, read Kaimanawa Forest Park: know before you go.
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Take the right gear for your trip: Walking and tramping gear lists.
- Tell a trusted person your plans and when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. Send them the information directly, or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk.
- Follow the five essential steps of the Land Safety Code.
Contacts
| Turangi Office | |
| Phone: | +64 7 384 7106 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | turangi@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
3 Town Centre Turangi 3334 |
| Postal Address: |
Private Bag 2 Turangi 3353 |
| Full office details | |