A small DOC carpark on private land exists at the gate at the end of the maintained North Block Road on the north side of the Waipawa valley. The public road continues at least as far as the river (the legal and formed roads deviate after that - a source of much tension) so you can also drop to the river if you want where a second carpark exists. However, the descent is steep on loose rock and not recommended for 2WD vehicles.

The farmer does not permit dogs on his land (you may be able to ask and get permission) so for those with a permit to hunt with dogs, dropping to the river before disembarking on crown land avoids potential conflict in this regard.