Description
Waingongoro Hut from Dawson Falls
Time: 1 hr 30 min
Distance: 2.3 km
Follow the Wilkies Pool Loop Track from just above the visitor centre, rock hopping across the Kapuni Stream. Join the Ridge Track and climb uphill to meet the Waingongoro Track. Follow this downhill, past the 24 m high Waingongoro swing bridge, to the hut. Return the same way or via Wilkies Pools.
Kapuni Stream is usually shallow but after heavy rain can become unpassable. Alternate access is via a bridge lower down Kapuni Stream. From the visitor centre walk 50 m down Manaia Road to the Kapuni Loop Track entrance. Follow signs to the Ridge Track, crossing the bridge before climbing uphill to reach Waingongoro Track, leading down to the hut.
Waingongoro Hut from East Egmont
Time: 1 hr 30 min
Distance: 2.9 km
From Ngāti Ruanui Stratford Mountain House, the track crosses several unbridged streams (these may be impassable after heavy rain) before reaching the Waingongoro swing bridge. Across the bridge a short track leads down to the hut.
Return the same way.
Waingongoro Hut
Category: Serviced
Facilities: 16 bunk beds, heating, mattresses
Bookings not required - first come, first served
Getting there
Dawson Falls
In Stratford, turn off SH23 into Celia Street, which becomes Opunake Road. Follow this for 14 km, then turn right into Manaia Road and travel 9 km up the mountain to Dawson Falls visitor centre.
East Egmont
In Stratford, turn off SH3 onto Pembroke Road. Follow this up the mountain for 15 km to Stratford Mountain House.
Know before you go
Weather on the mountain changes rapidly – you must be well prepared with suitable clothing and equipment for all weather and conditions.
Snow, high rainfall and storm damage can make tracks impassable – many rivers and streams are unbridged.
Check the Egmont National Park weather forecast before you go.
Dawson Falls Visitor Centre is open reduced hours: Thursday – Sunday 9am – 4pm; 7 days a week during school holidays, 9am – 4pm.