A long, unexciting road section links the Gentle Annie summit with Comet Hut. Follow the highway as it winds down to Kakekino Stream, climbs again and drops to the Moatangiora. Take the dirt Comet Road south and climb steeply to reach to Comet plateau, which the road follows south to reach Comet Hut at the roadend.

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A long, unexciting road section links the Gentle Annie summit with Comet Hut. The duirst road heads north from Comet along the plateau before descendign steeply (for a road) to join the Gentle Annie highway at Moatangiora. From here the highway heads NW crossing one ridge, dropping to the Kakekino and then winding its way up to the Gentle Annie Summit. At the very summit, an old dirt roadbed heads briefly north for 20m to where a lone green post is all that remains of the signpost that once marked the track to Te Irenga.

A good track runs south from the Comet roadend, climbing steadily the 100m to the plateau.From there an easy 2km follows through pine plantation and beech on a good cut track, before the plateau ends and the abyss of the Taruarau valley opens up before you. The track remains well cut and benched as it zigzags down the steep spur to the valley floor. A lot of contours crossed, but on a decent track. Sidling down and downriver, the track crosses a sidecreek where there are good campspots, and then drops the final few meters to the river.

Bozzy 2024 added: Did not spot markers from campsight to river which resulted in a scramble down a bank (presumably river bank damaged by cyclone Gabrielle in 2023). Suggest having a good look around for best way down to river and best crossing point.

The Taruarau must be forded - knee deep on fine shingle in low conditions, but it's a big river and can easily flood.

Once across the track heads downriver on a low terrace of open manuka - more well used campspots. Triangles mark a steady climb to higher open terraces, before a cut track heads in thick low bush at their rear, sidling into the sidevalley which holds Shutes Hut. A further 1km of sidling steep valleysides follows before the track reaches a basin with a large grassy clearing, a stand of mature pines, and Shutes Hut.

Comet->Shutes 1h45 to 3hrs

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A broad, moss-covered track climbs the spur behind Shutes Hut through manuka bush. Moderately steep at first it eases further as you climb towards the bushedge at around 850m. Beyond the bushedge, claypan and low scrub replace the manukua bush and the track becomes indiscinct, meandering between adjoining clearings of claypan. Occasional cairns and warratahs mark the way, but often you are left to follow your nose.

Passing the first 956m summit you swing south and enter scrubby tussock tops, dropping to a saddle then climbing another 100m to the next high point. Throughout, you are left to find your own way south along the ridgeline - there are very few markers and no clear ground trail. A long climb leads to pt1183, and in bad weather compass work was required on these brad tops.

Thankfully, the ridge narrows between pt1183 and pt11800 and the route is identifable along the escarpment of the Koau valley. A wooden signpost at the point where the ridge swings west marks the turnoff to Dianes Hut in the Koau valley below. Shutes -> Junction, 2 - 3.5hrs

April 2024: The track seems to be better marked than when MadPom wrote the above in 2014. Frequent Markers and Cairns made the route fairly easy to follow.

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From the signpost on the ridgeline, a track drops initially SE into the Koau, through flax and tussock. You soon enter mature bush of beech and broadleaf, and drop steeply east towards the valley floor, sidling downriver in the process. It's a good but steep tramping track. Diane's Hut sits in a clearing 40m above the river on the northern bank, directly on the track.

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From Dianes Hut the track drops 40m to the Koau River. There are no markers, but the route is downriver in the riverbed for some 300m. Finally a DOC triangle appears on the southern bank, marking the start of the track up to No Mans Road.

The track starts steep and ill-defined - a steep scramble up a crumbling face. Later it becomes a defined but steep spur, the track now obvious, which becomes gentler as you climb into moss-covered beech forest.

The track meets No Mans Road just where you run out of up.

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Heading NNE from the Dead Dog turnoff, No Mans Road continues to meander along the beech ridgeline for a further 2.5km before reaching a signposted track on the left, leading to Dianes Hut.

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From the Dianes Hut turnoff, No Mans Road continues to meander along the beech ridgeline for a further 2.5km before reaching a signposted track on the left, dropping east to Dead Dog Hut.

An easy 1.5km NE along the 4WD No Mans Road takes you from No Mans Hut to the signposted Dead Dog Hut turnoff, dropping east.

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From the Dead Dog Hut turnoff, No Mans Road continues more-or-less flat SSW along the ridgeline for 1.5km to No Mans Hut.

Heading north from the top of Herricks Spur, the route is well marked with Warratahs, though sometimes lacking much of a ground trail through the tussock. With visibility down to 50m the frequent warratahs were a great aid, and only a handful of times did I need to rely on the compass.

The ridgeline narrows again north of pt1348 and the track becomes clear as it reaches the top end of the rough No Mans Road. No Mans Hut is 300m NNE down the 4WD track.

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From No Mans Hut, head the last 300m up the 4wd track to the rideline, where a signpost marks the start of the track south along the main range. The route is uncut but marked with warratahs across tussock tops. The ridge soon widens and becomes featureless, but even in poor visibility the next pole was usually in sight.

As the ridge narrows again 600m SSE of Ohawai, an A3 signpost on the left marks the start of the old, unmaintained tracks east to Herricks and Dead Dog via Herricks Spur. Strangely the signpost says 'Farmland'.

Heading north from the top of Herricks Spur, the route is well marked with Warratahs, though sometimes lacking much of a ground trail through the tussock. With visibility down to 50m the frequent warratahs were a great aid, and only a handful of times did I need to rely on the compass.

The ridgeline narrows again north of pt1348 and the track becomes clear as it reaches the top end of the rough No Mans Road. No Mans Hut is 300m NNE down the 4WD track.

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From No Mans Hut, head the last 300m up the 4wd track to the rideline, where a signpost marks the start of the track south along the main range. The route is uncut but marked with warratahs across tussock tops. The ridge soon widens and becomes featureless, but even in poor visibility the next pole was usually in sight.

As the ridge narrows again 600m SSE of Ohawai, an A3 signpost on the left marks the start of the old, unmaintained tracks east to Herricks and Dead Dog via Herricks Spur. Strangely the signpost says 'Farmland'.

The track south along the main range from the top of Herricks Spur is poled, but often lacking any form of ground trail. In places it runs along the western face on the top of gravel slips, but more often it crosses tall tussock/low scrub tops - stumbling and staggering.

After 1km the track starts to climb SW and enters beech forest. From here things improve. A well cut, well marked track follows the ridgeline SE then south over a series of peaks and saddles.

The turnoff to Sentry Box hut via Golden Crown is obvious and marked with a signpost.

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From Golden Crown, the main range track heads south-west along the mainly flat Ruahine ridgeline - a well cut/marked track through beech forest. Crossing the head of a creek draining north, it swings west and enters marshy tussock tops, becoming a poled route. The signposted track junction for the main range (west) and Parks Peak (south) is reached soon after.

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From the Parks Peak junction, the main range track swings west around the headwaters of the Makaroro. The tops are brad and marshy at first and the track little more than a poled route. 400m before the hut, beech forest is reached, and the marked cut track resumes, swinging east and dropping to the head of a small stream, where Aranga hut is located in a grassy basin.

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From Aranga Hut the main range track heads west through beech forest before emerging onto marshy tussock tops. A poled route swings SE and reaches a signposted junction for No Mans / Parks Peak 800m later.

From Aranga Hut, the cut marked DOC track continues west onto flat tops of pt1406, a poled route continuing as far as the bushedge on the western side. Here the track enters private land and is no longer maintained by DOC. A roughly marked route continues west over the saddle to pt1396, dropping and sidling the northern face for the last 200m.

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From pt1396 the track enters private land to the east and is no longer maintained. Drop down the bushedge on the northern side of the ridge some 50m until you pick up a taped route / stoat-line sidling east into the beech. Follow this, climbing to the ridge some 200m later and then climbing the ridgeline towards tops on the eastern side of the saddle. Once on the open tops of pt1406 the track is poled, swinging NE then east before dropping back into the beech forest. A marked, cut track drops through beech from the bushedge to a small basin at the head of a north-flowing creek, where Aranga Hut is located.

South from pt1396 there is no ground trail along the main range - slow going along untracked/unmarked tops of tall tussock and low scrub. It takes 1km or so to leave the scrub behind and emerge onto short tussock and moss. From here going is good, if spongy in places.

In bad weather, watch for the swing east over Piopio - compass is strongly recommended.

After 2 gentle saddles and a gentle climb the broad tarn-dotted tops of the eastern side of the Makaroro are reached. The track junction here is not marked, lying somewhere on the broad junction of the two ridges 300m SE of pt1503.

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400m north of Totora spur, and 300m SE of the low highpoint pt1503, look out for the narrower ridgeline branching NE to circle the head of the Makaroro. Following this the route becomes obvious as the ridge narrows, and 4 good kilometers over low tussock and moss follow, crossing several low summits to pt1407. The route is neither cut nor poled, but a faint ground trail follows the ridgeline.

North of pt1407 things become scrubby and the ground trail is lost. Follow the ridgeline NE until the next highpoint at pt1396 where the ridge can be seen dropping ESE towards the bushy saddle at the head of the Makaroro.

From the form in the main range, continue NNW over pt1503 (a 100x100m round lump 20m higher than the surrounding flat tops). Continue another 200m on a bearing of 320 degrees to reach a signpost pointing WNW towards Potae (Ruahine Corner Hut). From here head WNW and pick up the side-spur dropping in that direction. It all requires good compass skills in bad weather on these featureless tops.

Soon the spur becomes well defined and enters leatherwood through a well travelled, well cut track (2018). The track drops and climbs repeatedly through beech forest for 2km, before crossing a small stream, climbing and sidling a bit, then making a final steep climb to the wind-carved rock of Potae ridge. A signposted track junction with the Colenso / Ruahine Corner Track is found on the crown of the ridge.

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From the track junction, the cut, marked Potae-Ruahine Corner track follows the defined ridgeline NNE, passing the top of a large, grassy slip. After this it enters flat tops of young bush, descending gently before emerging 600m later at the stark line dividing the bush of the Ruahines from the tussock tops beyond. Ruahine Corner Hut is 300m west along the bush edge along a poled route.

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From Ruahine Corner Hut, a poled route leads 300m east along the bushedge before swinging south and entering the bush as a cut, marked track. After 600m a clear ridgeline forms, which the track follows past a large grassy slip, reaching the signposted junction with the track SE towards the main range after 1.5km.

From the track junction, the cut, marked Potae-Ruahine Corner track follows the defined ridgeline NNE, passing the top of a large, grassy slip. After this it enters flat tops of young bush, descending gently before emerging 600m later at the stark line dividing the bush of the Ruahines from the tussock tops beyond. Ruahine Corner Hut is 300m west along the bush edge along a poled route.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

From Ruahine Corner Hut, a poled route leads 300m east along the bushedge before swinging south and entering the bush as a cut, marked track. After 600m a clear ridgeline forms, which the track follows past a large grassy slip, reaching the signposted junction with the track SE towards the main range after 1.5km.

From the Colenso turnoff, the track towards Ruahine Corner climbs over the Potae highpoint - one of several spectacular carved sandstone tors on the ridgeline. Descending the far side, a 2nd track junction is reached, where a track joins from the south from a saddle connecting Potae with the main range.

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From the Potae/Main Range Track junction, the ridgeline track continues SW to Potae highpoint traversing under and around several spectacular carved sandstone tors on the ridgeline. Descending steeply down the western side a signposted track junction is reached, with the western fork leading to Waiokotore Biv, the southern fork dropping sharply down to Colenso via the Potae-Mangatera River Track.

A mix of track, marked route and open river travel

From the signposted junction 200m west of Potae, the track drops steeply SW into the branch of the Mangatera River. On reaching the first forks, the track stops and you are left to work your way down the small riverbed. This was reasonable going, even in steady rain, with crossings knee deep in wet conditions. 2018 - travel was mostly along the banks which are frequently marked by orange triangles, and not requiring too many crossing on the slippery rocks within the river bed. Further down the river becomes more open, passing under several large cliff faces to join the main river.

On reaching the main Mangatera the river becomes much larger, and travel is on a wide riverbed of rounded riverstones. In steady rain the river occupied the whole bed, and crossings were knee to thigh deep. Some pools in the first 200m required scrubby bush-bashed to bypass. 2018 - no sidling required in low flows and travel easy and straight forward. 2024: travel easy in low flows.

The valley becomes scrubby as it nears the forks below the hut. About a 1km down the main river a fork appears on the true left. Enter the fork and orange triangles can be seen a few metres up on the true right bank. 2018 - clamber up true left of log waterfall and walk up the river is easy and straight forward to Colenso Hut, which is situated above the river on the true left. Note: plenty of mozzies were inside the hut - take repellent! 2024: No markers at turn off to Colenso hut. Look for side stream coming from narrow gap with large overhanging tock on East side.

Madpom's previous notes state: An uncut, badly marked track cut off the last corner above the forks and deposited us back in the riverbed heading upriver towards Colenso. If you can't find it, just follow the riverbed.
Colenso Hut is 600m upriver on the western bank.

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A track heads west from Colenso Hut, passing Lake Colenso. It is well worthwhile taking the signposted 100m side-track down to the lake, which is a unique gem rich in birdlife and surrounded by mature bush and limestone bluffs.

After the lake turnoff the track wanders across marshy flats through bush and clearings until the valley begins to narrow. Dropping slightly towards the river, the track sidles the southern face. A signposted track junction is soon reached with a track dropping from the south from Unknown Campsite and Maropea Forks.

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From the signposted track junction, the track sidles briefly upriver before the valley opens to wide marshy flats. Continuing through clearings and mature bush, the track bypasses Lake Colenso on the southern side. It is well worthwhile taking the signposted 100m side-track down to the lake, which is a unique gem rich in birdlife and surrounded by mature bush and limestone bluffs.

Shortly after the lake the track emerges onto the banks on the Mangatera where Colenso Hut sits on a low terrace overlooking the scrubby riverbed.

Crossing the creek at Unknown Campsite (small, ankle deep, only likely to pose problems in extreme conditions), the track follows the northern bank upriver. After 600m it climbs the face to the north, a steady climb passing several sculpted rock outcrops similar to those on Potae. The ridge, once reached is narrow. It drops steeply north into the Mangatera and has several steep, exposed scrambles on soil prone to be slippery after rain. Not for the faint hearted.

The track junction with the Colenso-Iron Bark track is signposted.

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From the signposted track junction, the track to Unknown Campsite climbs steeply south up a narrow spur. This spur is steep, potentially slippery after rain, and has several exposed sections. Requires hands-on tramping, but plenty of good handholds.

Once on the top, things improve. Several breaks in the vegetation allow for views of the Colenso basin as a reward before swinging SW for a steady descent towards Unknown. A couple of large downed trees must be clambered around before the final descent into the stream. The track is steep and potentially slipper and hits the river 600m upstream of the campsite, following the northern bank down to the campsite. Windfall was present within the creek bed as well. The creek must be crossed to reach Unknown Campsite, but is small and should be ok in most conditions.

Quite a lot of windfall was present (2018), but most negotiable and semi-cleared were possible by hand and saw.

The large clearing at Unknown has infilled with scrub, but good campsites still exist on the river bank.

A cut / marked track drops north from Puketaramea to Unknown Campsite. This is a gradual descent for the most part, through a substory of knee-to-waist deep fern and is susceptible to quickly becoming overgrown after cutting. The former clearing at Unknown has filled in with scrub, but good campspots exists right by the river.

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A cut / marked track climbs south to Puketaramea from Unknown Campsite. This is a gradual ascent for the most part, through a sub story of knee-to-waist deep fern and is susceptible to quickly becoming overgrown after cutting. 2018 - Track has been recently cut and was easy to traverse. Some windfall present, but cleared some smaller bits by hand and saw.

The track does not climb to Puketaramea, but sidles the eastern face to reach a signposted track junction 100m east of the highpoint

Cross the Maropea River at the hut (ankle-knee deep and an easy crossing in normal flows. Large catchment - could flood). Pick up the marked, signposted track opposite climbing north. A steady climb to the ridgline, then an undulating kilometer WNW towards Puketaramea highpoint. Track is on border of clear tops, and suffered from tall grasses and windfall (2009). A signposted track junction is reached 100m before Puketaramea highpoint with tracks north to Unknown Campsite / Colenso Hut, and west to Otukota / Iron Bark huts.

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From the track junction 100m west of Puketaramea, follow the marked track ESE along the ridgeline, initially the track drops sharply, then climbs east over pt1293. The track swings south again before descending rapidly passing near a slip edge to until it meets the river south of Maropea Forks Hut. The hut is on the opposite bank - ankle-knee deep and an easy crossing in normal flows. Large catchment - could flood

A good cut/marked track leads from Wakelings Hut to Maropea Forks Hut.

Follow triangles from the hut and cross the river at Wakelings (ankle-knee deep, easy in normal flows but normal caveats apply given the large catchment). Well marked track climbs steadily to ridgeline opposite, follows it for 2km and then drops east to Maropea Forks.

Hut is 50m up the eastern fork, on the southern bank. At least one crossing is required, and two were easiest. River similar size to the Waikamaka at Wakelings.

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Drop to the forks, and pick up the marked track just upriver on the western bank. Rivers are ankle-knee deep, easy in normal flows but normal caveats apply given the large catchment. Good cut track runs up a spur, follows ridgeline south then drops west to Wakelings.

A second creek crossing is required at Wakelings. River is similar size to that at Maropea below the forks.

The descent sidles the southern face, and in spots is marginal without ice-axe. I'd take one.

Dropping east from Rongotea, the route is poled with a good ground trail to the bushedge. The bush is open, and the track well marked, and well cut. The track passes Wakelings hut 20m before it reaches the Waikamaka River.

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The track climbs SW from wakelings hut through good open beech forest. Once above the bushline it is poled and well defined as it follows the spur east to Rongotea highpoint.

From Crow Hut, cross the swingbridge and follow the track upriver. The track drops into the riverbed to sidle below bluffs - this section was in-water when I visited with a bit of meltwater around, could become impassable after heavy rain. Sidles, if possible, looked scrubby.

After crossing the 1st sidecreek upriver, triangle mark the start of the track proper. This climbs east up the spur upstream of the sidecreek. A steady climb through mostly open bush - good going to the bushedge.

Above the bushedge, the track emerges onto a narrow, steep, exposed spur. A couple of very steep sections were tricky in soft snow, and an ice-axe at a minimum was required in winter. Once above the scrub the spur gradually becomes wider and the potential falls recede.

Attaining the summit of the Mokai Patea plateau you find yourself on broad tops of tall tussocks. Occasional warratahs give hints of where to go, but the track has little or no ground trail. For those heading towards Wakelings or Rongotea highpoint, swing SW for 500m along the untracked tops, pass a small tarn and climb to the rounded summit of Rongotea.

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From Rongotea highpoint, drop NW along untracked tops passing a small tarn. Occasional warratahs exist, but the track is not well defined. After 500m the ridge broadens to become the Mokai Patea plateau. Round the head of the 1st southern sidecreek, and get onto the spur. Once on this you will pick up a good ground trail and frequent markers. The track is cut through scrub but very steep and exposed above the bushline. A fall would be bad, and an ice-axe at minimum is recommended in winter.

Once in the bush a good track runs down the spur to meet the Kawhatau River 300m above the hut. Sticking to the true right, round below some bluffs in the riverbed, and pick up the track again on the true right bank. This climbs and sidles, before crossing the river to the hut over a swingbridge.

From Crow Hut, cross the swingbridge and follow the track upriver. The track drops into the riverbed to sidle below bluffs - this section was in-water when I visited with a bit of meltwater around, could become impassable after heavy rain. Sidles, if possible, looked scrubby.

After crossing the 1st sidecreek upriver, triangle mark the start of the track proper. This climbs east up the spur upstream of the sidecreek. A steady climb through mostly open bush - good going to the bushedge.

Above the bushedge, the track emerges onto a narrow, steep, exposed spur. A couple of very steep sections were tricky in soft snow, and an ice-axe at a minimum was required in winter. Once above the scrub the spur gradually becomes wider and the potential falls recede.

Attaining the summit of the Mokai Patea plateau you find yourself on broad tops of tall tussocks. Occasional warratahs give hints of where to go, but the track has little or no ground trail. For those heading towards Wakelings or Rongotea highpoint, swing SW for 500m along the untracked tops, pass a small tarn and climb to the rounded summit of Rongotea.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

From Rongotea highpoint, drop NW along untracked tops passing a small tarn. Occasional warratahs exist, but the track is not well defined. After 500m the ridge broadens to become the Mokai Patea plateau. Round the head of the 1st southern sidecreek, and get onto the spur. Once on this you will pick up a good ground trail and frequent markers. The track is cut through scrub but very steep and exposed above the bushline. A fall would be bad, and an ice-axe at minimum is recommended in winter.

Once in the bush a good track runs down the spur to meet the Kawhatau River 300m above the hut. Sticking to the true right, round below some bluffs in the riverbed, and pick up the track again on the true right bank. This climbs and sidles, before crossing the river to the hut over a swingbridge.

From the signposted track junction just west of pt1471, a poled route climbs north over a small highpoint, before following a spur down the the bushedge, sidling on the eastern face for much of the time. Once in the bush, the track is well cut and marked (2009) and follow the spur down towards the Kawhatau River. Just above the main river it swings east, crosses a small side creek, and emerges onto a clearing on a terrace where Crow Hut is located.

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From behind Crow Hut, the track sidles briefly downriver, crossing a small side stream, before climbing steadily up the spur to pt1471. The track is cut and marked in the bush and scrub, and poled in the tussock. Crossing the small peak west of pt1471, it intersects the McKinnon-Kawhatau track on the southern face. The junction is signposted.

From the KBase/ Crow junction, the poled route climbs gently through scrubby tussock to a group of tarns, before climbing again and swinging E along the tops. The drop down to McKinnon is short and sharp before easing off to reach the hut on the bush line.

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From the Sign at Pt1625, the poled route drop down to McKinnon is short and sharp before easing off to reach the hut on the bush line.

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Unmarked route from Wooden Peg to Iron Peg, clear ground trail for most part, until close to Iron Peg ground becomes eroded and difficult to follow a track. Stay to the right (east). Big tarn exists by Iron Peg.

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From sign at Wooden Peg, head south following poled route. These poles are hard to spot at times, and lead through deep tussock with holes/ trenches. It's a matter of picking your way carefully down the Eastern side of the ridge, keeping a careful eye out for the poles. Once the track drops into the bush it's well cut and easy to follow.

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Ice axe would be advisable in snow / ice for sidles / climbs on this route.

From the top of the spur / route which descends to Triangle Hut, cut due north across the eastern face of pt1635 until you hit the ridge heading NNE towards Mangamahue. Follow the broad ridgeline over a saddle and up a further 160m to the first Maungamahue summit. From the summit, cut NNE a further 200m over a slight saddle to reach the northern of the two summits.

From the northern summit, a narrow ridgeline drops east and heads towards Te Hekenga, whilst another broader ridge runs NW towards Kelly Knight / Pourangaki huts.

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Cross the slight saddle SSW to the southern (named) summit of Maungamahue, then drop SSW, following the main ridgeline as it descends. After a wide saddle the ridgelione climbs again towards pt1635. You can either climb this, and descend again on the southern side, or sidle it on the eastern face at the 1500m contour to intercept the track up from Triangle Hut.

This track has some steep sections, and whilst ice-axe / crampons would not necessarily be required, I'd feel more comfortable with an axe / pole to self-arrest if required.

After sidling south-west of pt 1635 the poled route reaches the spur which drops to Traingle Hut, and follows it down. The tussock becomes tall, and the route is uncut and sparsely marked. The first 400m can be slow going. On reaching the scrubline, a marked, cut track resumes and drops steeply through scrub then bush to reach the Oroua Rive at the forks directly opposite Triangle Hut. The river is normally crossed direct to the hut (ankle to knee deep), and can also generally be crossed after normal rainfall by crossing two smaller forks upstream of the hut. Extreme rain, however, can make this crossing impassable.

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From Traingle Hut, cross the Oroua river below the forks (or cross both forks upstream is the river is high) and pick up the marked, cut track climbing the north-western spur opposite the hut. A good steep tramping tarck climbs to the bushline, where a sparsely poled route through thick tussock commences. This section can be slow going and hard to follow. Higher up the route becomes better defined and marked with a good ground trail. A low saddle on the main ridgeline can be seen to the west and the track climbs to this height before swinging west off the spur to sidle the face towards this saddle.

For those heading north to Pourangaki this is the point to leave the poled route and head north on the open untracked tops.

From Traingle Hut a riverbed route leads downstream towards Iron Gate Hut. Drop to the riverbed at the hut, and follow it through the first narrow gorge - the worst of this section. From here the river widens to broad gravel flats, though more gorged sections exist further down. This section requires many river crossings and in-river travel and pools are often thigh to waist deep in normal flows. This section becomes impassable after heavy rain.

After 1.5km, the river makes a sharp left turn, and a DOC signpost and triangles are present on the northern bank marking the start of the up and over track. It is sometimes possible to continue downriver from here, but it is deep, steep going, especially below the major confluence. The up-and-over track is the recommended route.

Heading up the northern bank at the signpost, the track starts with a brief scramble up an old slip, but soon becomes well marked and cut as it zigzags its way to the ridgeline just above pt1037. On cresting the ridge, the track turns downhill and follows it down. It is also possible to follow the ridge up from this point on an roughly marked 'up-and-out' route to Mangahuia Summit.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

Just above pt1037 the up-and-over track swings east off the spur and descends in a series of zigzags back to the Oroua River, above the worst of the gorges. From here if follows the riverbed upriver for 1.5km to reach Triangle Hut. The river is gorged in places (especially just below the hut) and requires several crossings and in-river travel. The deepest crossings are normally thigh-to-waist deep in slow water, but this route can easily become impassable after rain.

From the summit of the up-and-over track, the marked, cut track swings briefly down the main spur before dropping the western face to pick up a side-spur below. The descent is steep, but well marked and cut - crossing the next sidestream west, and following it to the main river. After cutting 100m further downriver on the northern bank, the track ends above a rapid. The main Oroua River must be crossed here above the rapids - if you can't cross above the rapid then you won't be able to cross it further downstream and your only option is to head back up and out via Mangahuia or wait out lower flows (good campspots are available).

This crossing is normally thigh to waist deep just above the rapids, though sometimes swimming the pool 50m further upstream (at the lower end of bluffs on the southern bank) is safer.

Once across, head down the southern bank for 100m. The normal route crosses half of the flow again to a long thin island, which is followed downriver before recrossing to the southern bank. After a section of windfall, good bush opens up on the southern bank with unmarked tracks heading downriver. A large triangle on the river bank marks the start of the track to Iron Gates Hut, 20m beyond.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

From Iron Gate Hut, head upstream adjacent to the river on the southern bank on unmarked tracks until a section of windfall blocks your way. Drop to the river, and cross to the island mid-flow just upstream. Follow the island up to it's upstream end, and then cross back to the southern bank. After cutting round/through the next loop in the river, the southern bank ends at bluffs above a rapid. The Oroua must be crossed here, either by wading just above the rapids, or by swimming the pools as far upstream as you can push below the bluffs (sometimes safer as it puts some distance between you and the rapids). The crossing is thigh to waist deep in normal flows, and can easily become impassable.

Once across a DOC triangle marks the start of the up-and-over track which cuts off the next bend in the river, avoiding some serious, tricky gorges. Good campspots also exist here.

The track heads 100m up the northern bank before heading up the next sidestream, which it soon crosses. From here a steep, but well cut and marked track climbs to reach the spur just above pt1037.

From just above pt 1037 the cut track cuts east off the spur, but it is also possible to continue from here up the spur on a roughly marked route to Mangahuia highpoint.

An easy walk across featureless tussock tops heads SW from the Longview turnoff to pt1519, before swinging due west to the next unnamed highpoint where the ridgeline swings SSW. (From here a spur drops NW towards Iron Gates Hut)

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

From the Iron Gates turnoff, the Ngamoko Range ridgeline swings due east for 1km, before heading back NE and narrowing. 500m beyond a signpost on the eastern escarpment marks the start of the track descending to Longview Hut.

From the signposted junction 200m south of Otumore, the poled track east to Longview drops steeply off the range towards the Pohongina saddle. The track is well trodden and well marked with warratahs - but note that this section of the range is subject to severe winds.

Crossing the saddle the track climbs slightly and swings south to skirt west of pt1232. The unmarked route NNE to the Tukituki/Daphne starts at this corner. 100m later a signpost is reached marking the junction of the track up from Kashmir Rd with the main range track. 100m south again, a further signpost marks the turnoff to Longview Hut, 50m east off the ridge.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

From Longview hut, return to the ridgeline track above the hut, and follow the track north, passing turnoffs to Kashmir Rd (signposted) and Tukituki/Daphne (unmarked). The track swings west, skirting pt1232 and drops to the Pohongina saddle. Beyond this it climbs steadily to reach the crest of the high range beyond. A signposted junction is on the crest, 200m south of Otumore highpoint. The track is well trodden and well marked with warratahs - but note that this section of the range is subject to severe winds.

The ridgeline track to Longview continues north from pt1164, becoming increasingly exposed to the elements as it ascends into clear tussock tops. The track is well used, marked / poled. Note that the area around Longview is incredibly exposed to wind in certain conditions (every time I've visited!).

Longview Hut is visible (if you have visibility) sheltered below and to the east of the track/ridgeline. The turnoff is signposted.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

From Longview Hut, a good, obvious poled tramping route follows the ridgeline south towards the Apiti Track. After Rocky Knob (detour off main track) the track enters scrub and then sections of bush - where it is cut and marked.

Madpom wrote: Pt1164 has a marked turnoff to Makaretu Hut (2007 - note that when I visited Makaretu in 2014 it appeared that this northern access was no longer maintained).
2018 - this appears to be the main, mapped route down to Makaretu, complete with a new doc sign, and makes sense relative to the exit point at the Makaretu end. An old, overgrown looking track to Makaretu is signposted (with old DOC sign) head east on the spur south of Te Pohatu (Co-ord: S40° 00.173' E176° 05.691')

South of pt 1664 (450m/10min) the track enters the top of a slip and no obvious markers are present on the far side, pick your way across and down (past the stoat trap) to re-enter the leatherwood.

The track is mostly easy walking with some undulations and recent windfall - both trees and leatherwood, but generally straightforward to negotiate around. (Feb 2018)

The ridgeline track to Longview continues north from pt1164, becoming increasingly exposed to the elements as it ascends into clear tussock tops. The track is well used, marked / poled. Note that the area around Longview is incredibly exposed to wind in certain conditions (every time I've visited!).

Longview Hut is visible (if you have visibility) sheltered below and to the east of the track/ridgeline. The turnoff is signposted.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

From Longview Hut, a good, obvious poled tramping route follows the ridgeline south towards the Apiti Track. After Rocky Knob (detour off main track) the track enters scrub and then sections of bush - where it is cut and marked.

Madpom wrote: Pt1164 has a marked turnoff to Makaretu Hut (2007 - note that when I visited Makaretu in 2014 it appeared that this northern access was no longer maintained).
2018 - this appears to be the main, mapped route down to Makaretu, complete with a new doc sign, and makes sense relative to the exit point at the Makaretu end. An old, overgrown looking track to Makaretu is signposted (with old DOC sign) head east on the spur south of Te Pohatu (Co-ord: S40° 00.173' E176° 05.691')

South of pt 1664 (450m/10min) the track enters the top of a slip and no obvious markers are present on the far side, pick your way across and down (past the stoat trap) to re-enter the leatherwood.

The track is mostly easy walking with some undulations and recent windfall - both trees and leatherwood, but generally straightforward to negotiate around. (Feb 2018)

A good cut track drops SE from pt1232 towards the Ngamoko Road road end via the Apiti Track. Cut and marked through first leatherleaf and lower down good bush. Just beyond the 2nd saddle a signposted track junction is reached with a track dropping south towards the Mangatewainui River and Cattle Creek Hut.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

From the Cattle Creek turnoff, the Apiti Track continues to climb NW until it reaches the main range at pt1232. The track is cut and marked through first bush and later leatherleaf.

The track north along the ridge from Cattle Creek was, sadly, not maintained (2014). Not one route marker was seen beyond the Cattle Creek junction, and in many places the track is unclear. Though there is a reasonable ground trail along the ridgeline, the track disappears completely as it drops to the forks - with luck you may come upon the ruins of the hut at Birch Whare. Descend to the forks by whatever route suits, and then follow the northern fork upstream (the Mangatewainui). After 1km upstream, a DOC signpost indicates a track on the true left to Makaretu and Leon Kirvig Huts. Thus starts 1.5km, 400 vertical meter climb to the ridgeline where a signposted track junction with the well marked & cut Apiti Track awaits.

Rivers are low (ankle deep) in normal flows but will be impassable after heavy rain.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

From the signposted track junction, gfollow the marked track south down into the Mangatewainui. The track stops at the creek, which must be followed a further 1km downstream to the forks. From the forks, climb the spur to the south of both forks, angling west as it climbs towards pt951. There is no cut track on this spur (you are on private land) but the remains of the old NZFS track become more obvious as you climb. Follow the ridgeline as it swings south-west over the low pt951.

pt951 is the turn-off for those headed for Duck Pond Hut and the Apiti Stream to Ngamoko Hut.

Rivers are low (ankle deep) in normal flows but will be impassable after heavy rain.

From the junction on the ridgeline above Cattle Creek Hut, a rough track runs north. The track eventually leaves conservation land, and so is not as well maintained as other tracks into the area. A reasonable ground trail exists, but the track had not been cut or marked in some years (2014).

Pt951 is not obvious on the ground, but this low highpoint marks the turnoff for those headed to Duck Pond Hut, and don the Apiti Stream to Ngamoko Hut.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

Follow the unmaintained, unmarked (2014) track south along the ridgeline from pt951 towards Cattle Creek Hut. The turnoff to Cattle Creek is signposted and tracks from here on are maintained.

A marked track heads directly off the porch at Cattle Creek and down the hill, crossing the stream. From there a relatively steep 15 min climb ensues to the top of the ridge. Turn south and head along the ridge which is fairly straight forward. A sharp 90deg turn is signposted, at which point the track drops sharply, then eases off until the creek is reached. Follow the creek downstream through overgrown patches of buddleia - sometimes you can walk on the bank, but mostly in the slippery stream bed. Sporadic cairns are present A Stanfield Hut is on the true right before the seemingly impenetrable mass of willows in the stream.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

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Leaving the hut, the route enters the river where some bush bashing around willows etc is required. Follow the river downstream for approximately 600m until the exit for Holmes ridge track is denoted by triangles on the true left. Exit the river here, or carry on downstream via river route. The river is cold and somewhat slippery with hanging overgrowth in places. Also prone to flood after steady rain. Further downstream on true right markers can be seen for the unmaintained track which runs up to Takapari ridge (near pt 1170). Fairly easy climb onto Holmes Ridge (a nice wide grassed track along the top). Be sure to exit on the right before the road drops steeply to the east. From here a short steep drop leads to a final swift river crossing into the campsite area.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

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From the Kumeti Roadend,, head up the Mangapuaka riverbed for approx 1km. An old 4wd track heads up the gravel flats, cutting later onto river banks. The 4wd track gives out around the old Kumeti Hut site, and tha route crosses to the southern bank where a signpost marks the start of the tramping track to Kiritaki Hut. The route up the riverbed is not marked, and it would not be hard to miss the start of the track to Kiritaki. Several river crossing are normally performed - ankle to knee deep in normal flows - but the river can be impassable after heavy rain. A bushbash up the south-western bank looks possible, but tough, if the river is uncrossable.

From the signpost, the track is well cut and marked, climbing steeply south, gaining 300m onto the spur. Once on the spurt the gradient flattens to a gentle climb, and bush gives way to scrub. A further 3.5km of gentle climb follows to reach the signposted track junction at an unnamed peak 400m east of Matanginui. Here a track turns south towards Kiritaki Hut, and another continues west to the western park boundary at the former Opawe Hut site.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

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From the signposted track junction east of Matanganui highpoint, the track to Kiritaki Hut heads due south along a spur, well cut and marked through scrubby vegetation. After 1.5km it climbs to a small highpoint, then drops west into the Oruakeretaki Stream. This section is inaccurate on topomaps (and on the route drawn here) but cut and marked int he scrub, and signposted in/out of the river so easy to follow. Hitting the river the route is unmarked, following the riverbed downstream for maybe 300m, before a signpost on the true-right bank marks the start of the track leading up the Kiritaki Hut. The stream is small, and mainly a process of boulder-hopping with dry feet. However, the narrow gorge looks like it could become impassible after heavy rain.

The track climbs steeply and is rough and loose for 200 vertical meters until it hits the top of the face it is climbing. From there a well cut, marked track runs WSW along the broad ridge, climbing gentle to reach Kiritaki Hut, 400m away.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

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From Kiritaki Hut a good track wanders west and south before dropping into the headwaters of the Raparapawai Stream. The route down river then follows the riverbed, with increasing river flats as you go downstream. Travel is reasonable in normal flows with no crossings much more than boot deep.

After 2km of river travel, a signpost on the western bank below the 2nd major sidecreek on the western side marks the start of the track to the Mangaatua.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

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From the signposted turnoff at the forks, a cut, marked track climbs a spur to the ridgeline and ascends to scrubby tops above. On reaching the summit the track heads 200m south of the highpoint and drops into the creek draining west from that point. The track markers and cut track then stop and you are lefdt to find your way down the grassy creek/slip to the main river below. The junction of this route with the main creek at the western end is not marked or signposted.

Follow the creek downstream. It starts of narrow and bouldery but eventually open up to good travel with narrow river flats beside it.

The s=track to coppermine is signposted on the western bank about 1km below the point you hit the creek.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

From the Coppermine track junction, continue up the Mangaatua creek - heading north for about 1km. Locate the first slip/creek shown on the map on the eastern valley face, and climb it. At the top, keep to the southern side of the clear area/slip and look out for a well traveled trail climbing into scrub above. Markers soon appear and this becomes a cut/marked DOC track which swings north on the ridgeline towards the highpoint, before dropping west into the Raparapawai.

A good, steep cut marked track climbs from the signposted track junction in Mangaatua Stream to the ridgeline to the south. It heads briefly east along the ridgeline to a signposted junction, before dropping south into Coppermine Stream.

Both Coppermine and Mangaatua streams must be crossed, but are boot deep in normal flows.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

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The turnoff to Wharite is a few meters upriver of the Mangaatua junction in Coppermine Creek. From here, a cut, marked track climbs moderately steeply to the south to ready the ridgeline. Once there it swings west, climbing more gently through regenerating bush and later leatherleaf to reach the summit of the Ruahine Range. Swinging SW it passes over 3 small beaks and saddles before climbing to Wharite Peak. Wharite is unmistakable, on account of the large transmission tower located there. It is the top end of Wharite road, which though private is generally open to the public..

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

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A good, steep cut marked track climbs from the signposted track junction in Mangaatua Stream to the ridgeline to the south. It heads briefly east along the ridgeline to a signposted junction, before dropping south into Coppermine Stream.

Both Coppermine and Mangaatua streams must be crossed, but are boot deep in normal flows.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

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The turnoff to Wharite is a few meters upriver of the Mangaatua junction in Coppermine Creek. From here, a cut, marked track climbs moderately steeply to the south to ready the ridgeline. Once there it swings west, climbing more gently through regenerating bush and later leatherleaf to reach the summit of the Ruahine Range. Swinging SW it passes over 3 small beaks and saddles before climbing to Wharite Peak. Wharite is unmistakable, on account of the large transmission tower located there. It is the top end of Wharite road, which though private is generally open to the public..

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

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A long walk along mainly gravel roads descends from the 900m Wharite Peak to the township of Woodville on the plains below and east. Follow Wharite Road down from the transmission tower, turning right where the private road ends and the public road starts. Once on the plains, Wharite Road becomes Woodlands Road and runs straight to reach SH2 1km west of Woodville.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

Woodlands Rd is 1km west of Woodville along SH2. Following woodlands Rd north (not taking the left turn on Saddle Rd) leads to Wharite Rd which winds and climbs towards the southern-most Ruahine summit above. On reaching the ridgeline at the bushedge, ensure you turn right through the concrete gateposts up the private road to the summit itself.