Leitch's Track
Located in Whareorino Conservation Area in the Waikato region
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Introduction
Take the shortest route to Leitch's clearing and Leitch's Hut.17 km return via same track
Dog access
From the car park at the end of Leitch Road, follow the track into Whareorino forest. It's a former surveyed road and is well graded.
Starting at a farm gate, the track passes farmland as it climbs before entering bush. The track decends to Leitch's clearing – walk across the clearing to reach the hut.
There are no major streams to cross on this track.
From Piopio, turn west onto Mangaotaki Road then onto Leitch Road. The car park and entrance to the track is at the end of the road. Leitch Road (5.5km) has a gravel surface.
Keep to the tracks to prevent the spread of chytrid fungus that affects the endangered Archey's frog.
Illegal poisons were found around this track in 2020 and dog permits were suspended. There has been no evidence of poison since then, and dog permits are available. But visitors should remain vigilant and report any suspicious acticity to the local office.
Maps: Use NZTopo50 BF31 (Marokopa ) and BF32 (Piopio)
Sam Leitch was a soldier awarded land after World War I in a solder's land lottery called the ballot. Leitch was awarded an isolated farm, now part of the wider Whareorino forest.The clearing where the hut now stands was the site of Leitch's home. Remnants of his plantings, mainly macrocapa and eleagnus, are still in place.
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 Kuiti Office | |
| Phone: | +64 7 878 1050 |
| Email: | tekuiti@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
78 Taupiri Street Te Kuiti 3910 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 38 Te Kuiti 3941 |
| Full office details | |