Description
This shared-use track includes an overnight stop at an historic hut and amazing views from the top of the Moerangi saddle (955 m). Listen for the piercing calls of kiwi at night.

Day 1: Okahu Rd to Rogers Hut (Te Wairoa)

Time: 3 hr 30 min
Distance: 13 km

Begin at the Okahu Road end; its 2 hr (7 km) from there to Skips Hut (Whangatawhia). From Skips Hut the track climbs up over a saddle before tracking down to Rogers Hut. Rogers Hut is one of the original deer culler huts in the Whirinaki and is constructed of massive beech slabs and even has a stained-glass window! Keep an eye out for the whio/blue duck in the stream next to the hut.

Day 2: Rogers Hut to Moerangi Hut

Time: 3 hr
Distance: 9 km

From Rogers it's an easy walk to the next overnight destination: Moerangi Hut. Moerangi Hut is located about 500 m up a slight detour from the main track. There are plenty of kiwi around the hut so listen for their shrill calls as night falls.

Day 3: Moerangi Hut to River Rd

Time: 4 hr 30 min
Distance: 13 km

The final day of walking includes a big climb over the Moerangi Saddle. The saddle tops out at 955 m and has spectacular views of the Rangitaiki Plains far below. As the track travels down from the saddle it enters lowland podocarp forest. Walk among the giant trees until you end at the River Rd carpark.