Sutherlands Track (Waikuku to Te Kopi)

Located in Aorangi Forest Park in the Wairarapa region

This 4WD track links Waikuku with Te Kopi, via Sutherlands Hut and through Aorangi Forest Park.

This 26 km track runs through Aorangi Forest Park from Waikuku to Te Kopi.

Mountain biking

Sutherlands Track is suitable for mountain biking. It is an advanced ride that involves a challenging hill climb. A high level of fitness is recommended for this 26 km ride and an early to mid-morning start is advised, particularly if a return trip is planned.

Start from Haurangi Road, passing by Waikuku Lodge and Sutherlands Hut. You can include a walking diversion to the Putangirua Pinnacles lookout before exiting the park at Te Kopi.

Four wheel driving

The route is opened up to four wheel drive enthusiasts and motorists several times a year. DOC supports Akatarawa Recreational Access Committee to provide this off road opportunity. For open days contact Ian Wishart +64 27 444 0196.

Horse riding

Horse riders can use the four-wheel drive track. The Akatarawa Recreational Access Committee manages this track and has the key for the Te Kopi gate. Contact Ian Wishart for the key by calling +64 27 444 0196.

Waikuku track entrance/exit

  • Drive south from Martinborough to Ruakōkoputuna.
  • From Ruakōkoputuna town, follow Haurangi Road south. This is a low maintained gravel road that becomes narrow and winding after the first 2 kms.
  • Access gets difficult after 6km. There is a gate across the public road, please leave it as you find it. 4WDs are needed past Waikuku Lodge due to wash outs, slips, rutted surfaces, and further road narrowing.
  • It can be very slippery, deeply pitted and full of water. Drive with care – this is a remote location with few residents and limited phone or internet coverage.

Te Kopi track entrance/exit

  • From Martinborough, travel south along the Martinborough-Lake Ferry Road for about 50 minutes.
  • Turn off onto Cape Palliser Road. Follow Cape Palliser Road past Whāngaimoana town and to the coast.
  • The track entrance/exit is at Te Kopi, off Cape Palliser Road shortly after the bridge over Hurupi Stream. The driveway is the first of two on the left about 500 m before the Putangirua Pinnacles carpark turn off - look out for a letterbox with Rural Property number 1271.

Safety

  • Remote area: pack to be self-sufficient and carry a personal locator beacon. There is no cell phone coverage.
  • Unbridged river and streams: These can rise and become unsafe to cross.
  • Steep drop-offs: There are unfenced steep drop-offs. Go slow and take care.
  • Shared use track: this track is shared by trampers, mountain bikers, 4WD drivers and horse riders. Watch for other track users.
  • This track crosses private farmland near Te Kopi. Stay on the track, leave gates as you find them, and give livestock space.

Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams

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

Do not cross if the river or stream 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

NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows