Wakarara Road end routes
Located in Ruahine Forest Park in the Manawatu/Whanganui and Hawke’s Bay regions
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Introduction
There are a variety of tramping routes from Wakarara road end in the Eastern Ruahine Forest Park, including Gold Creek and Barlow Hut.Dog access
Gold Creek Hut Route
Time: 3-4 hr from road end
From the Makaroro River where it meets Gold Creek, a track starts on the true right of Gold Creek and follows a long gentle ridge through beech forest with horopito undergrowth. It turns right and descends to the hut which is on the true left of Gold Creek.
A round trip (6-7 hours) can be completed here by returning down Gold Creek. This river route is not recommended for the inexperienced. Time given is from road end.
Barlow Hut / Upper Makaroro Hut Route
Time: 2-3 hr
There is an 8 kilometre (approximate) route up the riverbed from the road end to reach Barlow Hut. From the hut there is a 1.5 kilometre connecting track to the Colenso Spur Track. It is also possible to proceed up the river for 6 kilometres to the Upper Makaroro Hut. This route is recommended for experienced trampers only as there are sometimes deep pools and river dams to negotiate in this changing riverbed.
Wakarara Road is approximately 75 km from Napier. Turn onto Wakarara Road from SH50 and follow for approximately 26.5 km to the end of Wakarara Road.
There is no vehicle access to the Ruahine Forest Park from the Wakarara Roadend. 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.
Caution: 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 in the outdoors
- Take the right gear for your trip: Walking and tramping gear lists.
- Tell a trusted person your plans and when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. Send them the information directly, or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk.
- Follow the five essential steps of the Land Safety Code.
Contacts
| Te Papaioea / Palmerston North Office | |
| Phone: | +64 6 350 9700 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | manawatu@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
28 North Street Palmerston North 4410 |
| Postal Address: |
Private Bag 11010 Manawatu Mail Centre Palmerston North 4442 |
| Full office details | |