Kaimai-Mamaku Tracks and Huts

Cheers Kokako, looks like 6h 30m with a pretty good track...

Just did the new Waipapa Tramway Track yesterday and today, very boggy in places but otherwise a decent trip into Waitawheta Hut, had cloud yesterday but clear today. Took 7 hours (including breaks) from Domain carpark to the hut via Mt Te Aroha summit. Today we had intended to come back via Tui saddle and mine but opted for down the road, had had enough of boggy track, and rejoined the track to come back through the domain. A total time of six hours including breaks. Took a look at the hut book for May when Pmcke was there with the Rotorua Club, can understand why sleeping on the deck for the night was a good option, what a crowd.

Just did Waitawheta to Wairongomai on the Waipapa track on Sunday. The track was in good condition with not much mud until getting to the top of the range on the crimson thread track. Some very cool views of rock peaks from the near the Waitawheta end of the track

Recent Track update. http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/plan-and-prepare/alerts/bay-of-plenty/

That gets a big thumbs up from me! Good work DOC and PD crews!

Just been into the Hurunui Hut from SH29 and it's in good nick despite historical abuse. Going to do the full North - South Track in Jan with a large group of friends and 2 children. Has anyone got any solid suggestions for route choices? There's a number but just want to get feedback on route choices regarding children. We'll have 2 very able youngsters (6 and 10 yrs).

We did the N/S track, following the route described in the DoC brochure 'Kaimai to Coast' or the new Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park map. It shouldn't be problem for kids. We did side trips to the Wairere Falls, and the Kauri trees on the Bluff Stream Kauri track. They might enjoy the tunnels and mining and logging relics on the Crown track, and between Te Rereatukahia and Kauritatahi Huts a vertical steel ladder. At the Kauritatahi and Poupou Streams are some good swimming holes. Good camping areas most of the way.