Waipakihi River tracks
Located in Kaimanawa Forest Park in the Central North Island region
Introduction
Head up the Waipakihi River Valley, a popular option for hunters to access the tops, or a great day out for swimming in the summer.Dog access
Waipakihi Road end to Waipakihi Hut
Time: 8 - 12 hr
This valley is accessible from the Waipakihi Road end and provides relatively easy walking and excellent hunting. There is no defined track and you should be prepared for frequent river crossings. There are many good campsites along the river.
River levels can rise quickly during and after heavy rain and knowledge of proper river crossing techniques is required when the river is high. Waipakihi normal flow is 8-10 cumecs, high is 13 and over. For the latest updates please call the Flow Phone: +64 7 386 8113 or go to the Genesis Energy website.
The southern bank of the Waipakihi River, from the Waipakihi Gorge to Waikato Stream and extending south to the ‘Needles Block’, is private land. Contact Danny Loughlin, Kaiamanwa 3B2A, 3B2B Trust, phone +64 7 376 0092 or email danny@blackburnegroup.co.nz.
Thunderbolt Route
Time: 1 hr
Distance: 1.3 km
This is a popular route for hunters from Waipakihi River to the Thunderbolt tops. It is a short steep climb.
Waipakihi Middle Range Route
Time: 30 min - 1 hr
Distance: 820 m
Follow the blue poles downstream from the Waipakihi Hut to the bush edge and climb through the bush to gain access to Middle Range tops.
Waipakihi Road is 38 km south of Tūrangi, off SH1.
Your safety is your responsibility
Take the right gear to keep yourself safe on your tramp.
Tell someone your plans using the Outdoors Intentions form including when to raise the alarm if you haven't returned.
Check, Clean, Dry
Clean all gear when moving between waterways to prevent the spread of didymo and other freshwater pests.
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 | |