Ihaia Track to Waiaua Gorge Hut: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Follow an old road leading to hut remnants on your way to Waiaua Gorge Hut, with vast views enroute.

This DOC directory entry covers Ihaia Track to Waiaua Gorge Hut in Taranaki, within Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 5.9 km one way
• Walking time: 3-4 hr to the hut
• 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.

• Around the Mountain Circuit partially closed; First published on 20 April 2023. Last reviewed on 29 September 2026.

• Oaonui Track closed; First published on 25 July 2025. Last reviewed on 29 September 2026.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

This track follows an old road that leads up to the remnants of the old Oanui Hut, before traversing across to Waiaua Gorge Hut, where there are spectacular views up the west side of the mountain.

A nice side trip is the 1 hr trip (one way) to the Brames Falls lookout. A 10 m high ladder leads down to the bottom of the gorge to cross the unbridged Waiaua River. This river is wide and prone to flooding.

Getting there

Access is via Ihaia Road, Opunake.

From the car park, follow the orange track markers across the paddock to the bush edge and into the National Park. Leave the gates as you find them and do not disturb stock.

The track gradually climbs through old-growth podocarp and broadleaf forest before turning right to access the Waiaua River.

Walk up the riverbed to reach the small spur to Waiaua Gorge Hut.

Extreme caution is required when walking up the Waiaua River riverbed due to loose debris and flooding.

Allow up to an extra hour to your travel time. Be prepared to change your plans if the river is in flood.

Know before you go

Be prepared for changeable weather

Weather on the mountain changes rapidly – you must be well prepared with suitable clothing and equipment for all weather and conditions.

Snow, high rainfall and storm damage can make tracks impassable – many rivers and streams are unbridged.

Check the Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki weather forecast before you go.

Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely

NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows

The lower Hangatahua River route from the Kapoiaia Track downstream to the Puniho Track is no longer accessible due to erosion.

Hazards

• The western side of the mountain gets regular adverse weather. There may be treefalls on these tracks.

• This track can be very boggy/muddy at times, particularly after heavy rainfall.

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.