The mountains here were once famous for their gold reserves and a plethora of giant Kauri trees. This walk follows the waitawheta river with most of the track following the old tramway used when the logging operations were underway 100 years ago. Plenty of swing bridges, swimming holes and relics of the past await you on this easy overnight walk to the Waitawheta Hut.
Time to complete
1-2 Days
Accommodation style
Back-country hut OR Camping
Track type
Return via same track
Distance
19km Return
Difficulty
Easy
Bookings required
None
An easy graded high quality track for all levels
Discover some relics from the historic mining and logging operations
Some fantastic forest sections
A plethora of suspension bridges to cross
Visit a restored kauri damn
Able to be walked throughout the entire year
The Waitawheta track is hidden away just beyond the popular Waikino Gorge. It travels up the Waitawheta Gorge along a path which used to contain rails for the transport of timber and other goods during the mining and forestry boom in the area. The gigantic Kauri trees are unfortunately mostly gone but a beautiful mostly forested walk alongside a picturesque river and valley remain. There are swing bridges along this trail crossing the river that are so common it’s easy to lose count. Each bridge offers excellent views over the river and the surrounding valley which is always a nice reprieve from being under the tree cover.
Being about 10km long and walked in about 3.5 hours the trail is suitable for people of all ages and skill levels.
Track condition
-Well taken care of trail with good quality bridges
-One small-moderate stream crossing can be avoided by taking a flood route which is only a short detour
The track is a loop track which returns along the same trail walked on the first day.
Trail start/finish location: Franklin Road End
-Huts:
The Waitawheta Hut is a serviced hut with toilets and heating
-Camping:
There is ample space for campsites alongside the hut
-Booking:
Bookings required for the hut only
-Back-country hut pass:
Cannot be used
The weather here is less extreme due to the walks position in a valley, however conditions can still get reasonably cold, especially when the sun is behind the surrounding mountain peaks.
Summer | Example packing list
Spring + Autnum | Example packing list
Possible all year round and the hut has excellent heating for a comfortable night spent inside
Department of conservation website | Karangahake Gorge Weather
9.4km+ | 3-4 Hours
The track begins walking through a small patch of farmland before reaching the park boundary where the trail officially begins. From here, the entire path is well defined and numerous swing bridges will need to be crossed over the winding Waitawheta river below.
About half way into the hike there is a toilet and a 10m wide stream crossing will need to be made just beyond. This can be done by rock hopping when the levels are low or by simply wading through the shallow stream. If the stream looks unsafe to cross, take the flood path which has been sign posted.
Remnants of the old Waitawheta Tramway bridge
2.5-3hr
The track returns on the same track back to the carpark.
One of the many suspension bridges to cross
Remnants of the old Tramway
Tent site in front of the Waitawheta Hut
The Waitawheta Hut
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