The track climbs steeply from the river and moves along a steep rock face before entering beech forest and emerging onto the open tops. There are no cairns or poles for guidance to the tops. Time given is from roadend.

A stone memorial cairn is located here for the missionary William Colenso, who frequently used this old Māori route over the Ruahine Range. While he explored new ways across the range, he always used the route over Te-Atua-o-Mahuru (spirit of spring) for one leg of each journey. On reaching the summit he was always overwhelmed by the sweeping sub-alpine filled gardens.

Wakarara Roadend is approximately 75 km from Napier. Turn onto Wakarara Road from SH50 and follow for approximately 26.5km to the end of Wakarara Road. 

There is no vehicle access to the Ruahine Forest Park from the Wakarara Road end. You will need to cross the Makaroro River.

From the carpark, follow a poled route (marked with orange track markers) along the farmers fence line and through a paddock down to the river.

All tracks from this road end require a crossing of the Makaroro River or a walk up the riverbed. It is dangerous to attempt to cross the river when the water level is higher than normal.

Stay safe when crossing rivers

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely