The track starts at the junction of Gold Creek, 1 hour up the river from the roadend. There is a steep rocky ridge at the beginning of the track. The track then passes through beech forest up the Sparrowhawk Spur before reaching sub alpine shrublands. The bivouac sits in a sheltered basin below Maropea Peak (1481m). The time given to the bivvy is from the road end.

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.

 Head upstream to the Ruahine Forest Park boundary by following the wide river valley to the Gold Creek junction, approx 1.5 hours from the carpark. Follow the track up a steep rocky ridge then pass through beech forest up the Sparrowhawk Spur before reaching sub-alpine shrublands. 

This track requires crossing the Makaroro River and walking 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