Huts ► Waitawheta Hut ►

Tracks

Waitawheta Hut

Track • 7 days. Easy/medium. One way.

Traversing the length of the Kaimai Range from the Karangahake Gorge to the Mamaku Plateau, this track follows historic trails to explore kauri logging and gold mining areas.

Te Aroha - Waitawheta Tramway Circuit

Track • 2 – 3 days. Medium. Loop track.

A varied loop through Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park, including both the highest point in the park and a section of the famous Waitawheta Tramway, and exploring the park's mining and milling history.

Waitawheta Tramway

Track • 2 days. Easy/medium. Return by the same track.

This is any easy overnight tramp in the Kaimai ranges. It follows the path of an old logging tramway up the Waitawheta river to the new Waitawheta Hut at an old sawmill site.

Waiorongomai - Waipapa track - Waitawheta Hut

Track • 1 day. Easy/medium. One way.

A track to Waitawheta Hut which takes in the historic Waiorongomai valley and then takes the new Waipapa track which replaces the old eroded track to the hut

Waitawheta Hut from Wharawahara Rd

Track • 1 day. Easy/medium. One way.

An interesting walk up an old tram line and then over the ridge to the Waitawheta Valley. As the track crosses the Wharawhara Stream a few times this route is less suitable in bad weather.

Waitawheta Hut from Lindemann Rd

Track • 1 day. Easy/medium. One way.

A steep climb initially but some interesting Kauri Dams along the way. This route does not cross any major streams so is a good wet weather option

Track grades

Easy: Unusually smooth, well-marked track, easy gradients. Up to about 4 hours per day.
Easy-medium: Typical lowland track. Generally easy walking and well marked. Ascents of up to 1000m. Some easy river crossings, unmarked travel along rivers.
Medium: Typical tops track. Experienced trampers only. Rough, muddy and poorly marked or unmarked. Ascents of up to 2000m. River crossings, open tops, passes. Up to about 8 hours per day.
Medium-hard: Navigation and snow skills (use of ice axe and crampons) required. Glaciers, exposure to falls.
Hard: Rough or non-existent tracks. Following ridges, bush spurs, and rivers. Steep ascents, arduous travel, hazardous conditions, snow and navigation skills essential.