The track passes along the true left of the Waingawa River, reaching Mitre Flats (and hut) in 4 - 5 hours. The return trip can be completed in 8 - 9 hours. You can enter and exit the Northern Crossing via this track.

From Masterton turn off State Highway 2 into Upper Plain Road and then into Upper Waingawa Road to the Pines carpark where the Barra Track begins.