Distance: 4.3 km (2.0 DOC hours) - Tramping track - Easy-moderate terrain
Altitude: 563m to 683m. Gain: 32m. Loss: 152m . Gradient: 2 deg (Gentle)
Skills: - Streams (2/6)

Tramping track (4/9)
Cut, marked tramping track: natural, rough ground surface

Primary, mapped (1/5)
Formal route, on maps, principal access to hut or along range / catchment

Gentle (difficulty: 2/5)
Gentle slopes

Easy-moderate (difficulty: 2/5)
Tussock / river-gravel / open bush / cut track

None (difficulty: 1/7)
No alpine skills required

Streams (difficulty: 2/6)
Small streams, danger only in extreme weather

None (difficulty: 1/7)
No alpine skills required

From Taipo Hut, the Wangapeka Track runs down the north bank of the Taipo. The track is through mature beech forest, and has roots and rocks underfoot in places, so can be slower than expected.

After 3km a signpost marks Herbert Creek. This is the turnoff for an unmaintained route over Kakapo Saddle. Continuing a further 1.5km down the main track you reach a swigbridge and a signposted junction with a track to Trevor Carter Hut continuing down the north bank, and the Wangapeka Track to Helicopter Flat crossing to the south side of the river.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

A well cut tramping track runs up the north bank of the Taipo from the swingbridge to Taipo Hut. The track is through mature beech forest, and has roots and rocks underfoot in places, so can be slower than expected.

After 1.5km a signpost marks Herbert Creek. This is the turnoff for an unmaintained route over Kakapo Saddle.

A further 3.5km up the main Taipo River track takes you to Taipo Hut, which sits in a small clearing on the track.