Otanewainuku - Otawa Trig - Te Puke Quary rd

This route starts at the Otanewainuku car park and for the first 600m follows the Rimu walk. Then it branches off towards the Whataroa waterfalls. On a hot day it's a good idea to make the 70m detour and refresh yourself in the swimming hole under the falls, before setting off on the remaining journey.

The falls track is fairly frequented, so the path is well cleared of debris. The condition of the onward trail marks what is to come. It gets progressively more and more overgrown with grasses, bushes and ferns.

On several occasions you'll be required to climb over fallen trees and logs and scramble up steep climbs.

The route is fairly well signed with markers, yet keep you eyes peeled as at times they disappear from view.

There are a couple of clearings along the way that will offer spectacular views from the ridge down into the valley and all the way towards the coast line.

After 15.5km you finally reach Otawa trig, which starts descend towards Te Puke Quary rd.