Otanetea Hut / Cental Waikare Hut

Otanetea Hut is a well-cared for hut in a gem of a location. On a lush grassy float beside the deep Waikare River this is a spot for everyone: hunters, fishermen and trampers alike. Despite all this, outside the roar at least, is seems to be forgotten meaning you'll probably get the place to yourself.

Most access is up/down the Waikare River, which (upriver) is knee- to thigh- deep in normal flows. It's a lovely trip through gorges and flats, with a huge range of birdlife around. An old permolat track sidles the TL above the hut, though how far this goes before crossing the river I do not know.

Assuming the river is crossable 1km above the hut, another good route out exists up the ridge to pt727, and then down the ridge to Ohaki Stream. Good (but patches of nettles) flats then lead to Te Panaa Hut.