Ruatoki Road end to Apiti Hut

Time: 5 - 7 hr

From the road end, an old road in the Whakatāne River bed alternates with the track that leads along the side of the river from Ohinenaenae Stream to Maungawhio Stream (about 4 km up the river).

The track then continues through the Rangatipihi Flats and on to another grassy clearing which is the site of an old hydro investigation camp (about 3 km). 700 metres on, the track reaches the Pukawa Stream where it enters the river on the true left. Travel up Pukawa Stream for half an hour until the marked track leaves the stream at a set of forks. The track from here is steep initially but flattens off after about 500 metres. Apiti Hut (5 bunks) is located at the end of the track where Apiti Stream meets the Opaewai and Mangaawai Streams.

A route-standard track continues from Apiti Hut to Twain (Waipotiki) Hut

Apiti Hut to Saddle (Mangaawai) Hut

Time: 1 - 2 hr

Follow the track past the hut down into Apiti Stream. Look for the marked track on the opposite side of the stream which leads to the Saddle Hut turnoff. The track climbs steeply for about 1 km and travels along an undulating ridge before dropping down into the Mangaawai Stream. Head downstream for 5 minutes and look for the fluorescent hut sign. Saddle Hut (4 bunks) is located 200 metres up out of the stream on the true right.

Ruatoki Road end to Ohora and Onepu Huts

Time: 3 - 5 hr

From the road end walk upstream on the true right of the Whakatāne River and continue past where the Pukawa Stream enters the river. Follow the track through bush to a grass and manuka terrace and onto the Otaneuri Stream (difficult to cross in flood). From here it is a 2 km walk to the swingbridge over the Ohora Stream. To reach Ohora Hut (19 bunks) follow the left fork track from the main track junction at the southern end of the bridge. To reach Onepu Hut (7 bunks) continue for 1- 2 hours up the Ohora Stream from Ohora Hut. The track from Onepu Hut leads over into the Waimana Valley (4-5 hours).

Ohora Hut to Waikare Junction Hut

Time: 3 - 4 hr

Return to the Whakatāne River track at the Ohora Stream swingbridge junction and continue south along the track. After 3 km, the track crosses the Hukikapaea Stream - this area can be difficult to get through due to rapid fern growth. Continue over Purutawhaeo Stream and across the grass and manuka terrace to reach the Moerangi Stream. The track continues past Huitieke, a radio mast and river gauge. After 2 km along a fern terrace the track drops down into the Ohane Stream. At the track junction on the south (true left) side of the stream a track heads off to the left and follows Ohane Stream for 3 km to reach Ohane Hut (3 bunks). The Whakatāne River track continues across the Ohane terrace to reach Waikare Junction Hut (10 bunks).

Ohane Hut to Te Pourewa Hut

Time: 3 - 5 hr

Continue up the Ohane Stream for 4 km to reach the Mauri/Te Awamate Stream forks. Climb up between the forks and follow the track over the ridge to Te Pourewa Hut (8 bunks).

Waikare Junction Hut to Hanamahihi Hut

Time: 3 - 4 hr

From the hut walk upstream along the Whakatāne River Track to reach a swingbridge crossing the Waikare River. Continue walking alongside the river for 3 km. The track leaves the river where it begins a short, steep climb over a small peninsula before heading down and across a swingbridge over the Whakatāne River to reach Hanamahihi Hut (10 bunks).

Hanamahihi Hut to Ngahiramai Hut

Time: 3 - 4 hr

The track leaves the hut and continues up the Whakatāne River track travelling through native forest, regenerating bush and grass flats before reaching a swingbridge. This crosses to the true right of the Whakatāne River. The track continues along the river through native forest and past the Tarakena Rapids for 4 km to reach Ngahiramai Hut (8 bunks).

Ngahiramai Hut to Tawhiwhi Hut

Time: 1 -2  hr

Continue along the Whakatāne River track for 2.5 km through native forest and along the bottom of the Taumapou Flats to reach Tawhiwhi Hut (17 bunks).

Tawhiwhi Hut to Ruatahuna

Time: 3 - 4 hr

Follow the track on the true right of the Whakatāne River until it reaches farmland. Continue to follow the track as it angles up the Wairere Stream and look out for the farm track that joins Mataatua Road, 2 km south of Ruatahuna.

The main access point to walks along the Whakatane River is from Ruatoki or Mataatua Valley Road, Ruatahuna.

Please note that the Raroa Track to Raroa Trig and Wharekahika Hut is no longer maintained.

Walks can be challenging due to the nature of the terrain – hills can be steep, and as many routes require some river walking, periods of heavy or prolonged rain can cause waterways to rise quickly. Please be cautious in adverse conditions.

Please note that there are many areas of private (Maori) land in this area (mainly large clearings and areas of manuka forest). Access is permitted through these areas but no camping or hunting is allowed – please stay on the tracks. Security of vehicles at track ends can also be an issue. Please contact either Robert Black (+64 7 312 9469) or Basil Tamiana (+64 7 312 9176) who can assist with providing secure locations to park vehicles.

If going in from the Mataatua Road end, contact the Biddles, at the last house in Mataatua Road (+64 7 366 3969) or Ahurei Adventures at the Ruatahuna Store (+64 7 366 3941).

True river directions

True directions are the banks of a river as seen facing downstream: true left is the left bank facing in this direction, true right the right bank.