Boyd, Oamaru and Cascade Hut tracks: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Combine these tracks for a multi-night tramp with lush beech forest, river crossings and wildlife. Several huts and road ends allow you to tailor a trip to suit.

This DOC directory entry covers Boyd, Oamaru and Cascade Hut tracks in Central North Island, within Kaimanawa Forest Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
• Walking time: 2 - 4 days
• DOC grade: Advanced

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

Dog access

Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Clements Mill Road to Oamaru Hut via Te Iringa

Time: 6 - 8 hrDistance: 19 km

This track leaves from the car park 5 km along Clements Mill Road. It climbs to a clearing where the Te Iringa Hut used to be (1-2 hours), then skirts around Mt Te Iringa (1241 m), before dropping down to the Tikitiki Stream/Kaipo River junction where the track forks at a swingbridge. Take the main track straight ahead and follow the true right of the Kaipo River down to Oamaru Hut, situated near the confluence of the Kaipo and Oamaru rivers.

Note, Te Iringa Hut has burnt down and will not be replaced. It may show on older maps.

Be aware, mountain bikes are also permitted on this track.

Taharua Road to Oamaru Hut

Time: 4 hrDistance: 12 km

Park in the car park beside the helicopter hanger at the Taharua roadend. Follow the poled route through Poronui Station. From near the Mohaka River a new track links from the end of the poled route to Oamaru Hut via a crossing of the Kaipō River. As a condition of access through Poronui Station absolutely no hunting or mountain bikes allowed. Hunters must remove rifle bolts. Fishing is allowed with marked side tracks to the Taharua River.

Excellent trout fishing can be had in the Taharua stream, which can be accessed from the poled route. There is also excellent fishing on the Oamaru and Kaipo streams which are easily accessed from Oamaru Hut.

Oamaru Hut - Boyd Hut

Time: 4 - 6 hrDistance: 16 km

From Oamaru Hut the track follows the true left bank of the Oamaru River before crossing the headwaters and following the Waitawhero Stream up to a saddle. At this point the track emerges at the forest edge of the upper Ngaruroro. Across the valley the Boyd airstrip can be seen. Boyd Hut is obscured by beech forest behind the airstrip.

Boyd Hut to Cascade Hut via Maungaorangi

Time: 10 - 12 hrDistance: 22 km

This strenuous track from Boyd Hut follows the track over Waitawhero Saddle towards Oamaru Hut. Near the confluence of the Waitawhero and Oamaru streams the route turns left onto a long, steep ridge up Maungaorangi. On the tops the route is marked with poles. It then descends to Te Waiotupuritia Saddle and on down to Cascade Hut. A map and compass are essential. GPS recommended.

Te Iringa / Oamaru Hut Track - Cascade Hut (Upper Kaipo Valley Route / Kaipo Track)

Time: 6 - 9 hrDistance: 13 km

A marked route runs from the swingbridge on the Te Iringa/Oamaru Track to Cascade Hut. In the upper reaches of the Kaipo River there are numerous river crossings and log jams to negotiate, so be aware that this is a time-consuming section. The track then climbs to a ridge just south of Kaipo Saddle. Descend off the ridge to Cascade Stream and the track junction. The right-hand track heads downstream for another 30 minutes to Cascade Hut.

Cascade Hut to Clements Mill Road (Hinemaiaia Track)

Time: 4 - 5 hrDistance: 12 km

The track follows the open river flats of the Tauranga-Taupo River downstream before climbing away from the river up a prominent beech-covered ridge. The track drops down to the Clements Mill roadend following the Hinemaiaia Stream and its tributaries.

Heading in for a night at the Cascade Hut via the Hinemaiaia Track PHOTO: Anna Elwarth | DOC

Getting there

Vehicle access

27 km east of Taupo turn right off SH5 (Napier Taupo Road) into Taharua Road and follow for 9.5 km. Turn right into Clements Mill Road - it is 21 km to the end of this road.

Aircraft access

One airstrip and a number of helipads allow light aircraft and helicopter access into the park. A permit is required to land at Boyd Airstrip and designated helicopter landing sites. Find commercial operators who fly in recreational users | Find out how to provide aircraft activities on conservation land

Know before you go

When planning a trip in this area, read Kaimanawa Forest Park: know before you go.

Vehicle access

Clements Mill Road is suitable for small caravans only. Access can be affected by fallen trees during high winds.

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.