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Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 1 hr 15
- Track grade
- Expert
- Location
- Moeraki area
- Dog access
- Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Access to Kahikatea Lodge Hut and the Waianakarua Scenic Reserve.
This DOC directory entry covers Kahikatea Route in Otago, within Moeraki area. 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: 1 hr 15
- DOC grade: Expert
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 for recreational hunting or management purposes only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Waianakarua Scenic Reserve carpark to Kahikatea Lodge Hut
Starting from the carpark, cross the paddock into the Scenic Reserve. After climbing over the stile, turn left and follow the markers into the mānuka/coprosma scrub.
The route drops through kānuka forest and into broadleaf/podocarp forest before crossing the creek and climbing steeply up a grassy clearing to the kahikatea lodge hut.
Fees and bookings
Bookings
Kahikatea Lodge Hut is owned and managed by the New Zealand Deerstalkers - North Otago Branch.
Bookings are necessary and must be made by text to: +64 27 634 6613.
Getting there
Getting to Waianakarua Scenic Reserve carpark
Turn onto Mt Misery Road, 4 km south of Herbert on SH1. Continue for 15 km, through Glencoe Run to the carpark. Glencoe Run is a working farm and this section of road is suitable for 4WD vehicles only. Follow the orange markers.
Kahikatea Route is signposted at the carpark.
Logging trucks and farm vehicles use this road frequently. Keep to the left, drive with your headlights on, and drive to the conditions.
Know before you go
Challenging conditions with rapidly changing weather
The Waianakarua Scenic Reserve is exposed and weather can change rapidly.Creeks can rise rapidly due to heavy or prolonged rain. Make a safe decision and be prepared to turn back.
Road Access
The road to the car park is recommended for four-wheel drives only and passes through a privately owned working farm.
Forestry trucks operate on the first part of Mount Misery Road. Take due care when driving on the gravel road and expect traffic.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed in this reserve with a hunting permit. Access to the route is over private land, you must have dogs contained in your vehicle while driving and dogs must be on a lead when walking to the reserve from the car park.
Fires prohibited
Fires could rapidly destroy this special place and put you, and others, at risk. Do not light fires.
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.
