Distance: 5.4 km (2.5 DOC hours) - Benched track - Easy-moderate terrain
Altitude: 141m to 630m. Gain: 604m. Loss: 198m . Gradient: 9 deg (Moderate)
Skills:

Benched track (3/9)
Benched, maintained, marked tramping track or pack-track

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

Moderate (difficulty: 3/5)
Occasional moderate climbs

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

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

None (difficulty: 1/6)
No unbridged river crossings

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

The Whakanui track leaves the Orongorongo on the west bank of the confluence with Whakanui Creek, and is signposted at the bushedge. The track is a broad, well cut, well maintained tramping track, and is benched for much of its length.

The track climbs steadily to pt497 through mature forest, after which the gradient lessens and the track meanders with the ridgeline, climbing slowly. The junction shown on maps with a track to pt711 does not exist on the ground, the track sidling the west face is the only one present. Vegetation becomes sparser here, and there are occasional clear spots with views to the west.

The areas to the west of the track is a 'kiwi-zone' and dogs, etc are prohibited within it, but are permitted on the track - on a lead or 'kiwi-safe'.

The track hits the escarpment looking down over tghe Wainuiomata River and township, and swings sharply west. Shortly after, a signpost marks the turnoff of the McKerrow track back to the Orongorongo. This track appears much rougher than the Whakanui - a standard tramping track.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

Leaving the McKerrow track junction the Whakanui track follows the ridgeline briefly before swinging south and sidling the valleyside ti the west of pt711. The track over pt711 shown on maps does not exist on the ground. This section of track is a benched packtrack and very easy going,.

The areas to the west of the track is a 'kiwi-zone' and dogs, etc are prohibited within it, but are permitted on the track - on a lead or 'kiwi-safe'.

Rejoining the ridgeline 1500m or so further south the track meanders with it, descending gently to pt497, before commencing a steeper descent to the Orongorongo. Though steeper and rougher, this is still a broad, well marked, well cut track.