Lower Waiohine Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This track leads from the Waiohine road end to Totara Flats Hut. It is a good overnight trip.

This DOC directory entry covers Lower Waiohine Track in Wellington, within Tararua 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: 4 hr and 30 min
• DOC grade: Intermediate

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.

• Lower Waiohine Track slip; First published on 29 November 2024. Last reviewed on 22 July 2026.

• Predator control for part of Tararua Forest Park; First published on 2 May 2026. Last reviewed on 3 June 2026.

Seasonal restrictions

There is a large slip on this track. Detour not passable during or after heavy rainfall or when the river flow is high.

Dog access

Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

The track begins at the end of Waiohine Gorge Road. Cross the river over the high bridge, then take the right hand track, leading up the valley.

Follow the track up the true right of the Waiohine River. The track crosses various side streams, some of which are unbridged.

Just before Makaka Creek (Long Flat Creek), the track reaches a junction. The Cone Saddle Track meets the Lower Waiohine Track at this junction, after descending from Cone Saddle. Continue up the valley, following the signs towards Totara Flats Hut.

There is a large slip upstream in the Waiohine Valley from Makaka Creek. The only option for passing the slip is to walk upstream on the riverbank from Makaka Creek. This option is only possible when the river is low; if in doubt, be prepared to turn back.

After the slip, the track continues upstream. It climbs onto a high riverbank then drops back down to the river.

Not far after descending to the river, you can see Sayer Creek on the true left side of the Waiohine River (the bank opposite the Lower Waiohine Track). Sayer Hut is situated near the confluence of Sayer Creek and the Waiohine River. You can reach the hut by crossing the Waiohine River; however, there is no bridge and the Waiohine is a large river, so only attempt this if you have good river crossing skills and the river conditions are favourable (low flow, no rain forecast).

Continue on the Lower Waiohine Track up the Waiohine Valley, across the grassy flats known as Totara Flats. The track re-enters the bush at the end of the flats, then arrives at Totara Flats Hut.

The hut sits in a clearing on river flats above the Waiohine River.

Getting there

Lower Waiohine Track begins at the end of Waiohine Gorge Road (nearest towns Carterton and Greytown). Waiohine Gorge Road is gravel with rough, narrow, and windy sections. There are two forded stream crossings. Drive carefully.

Know before you go

Expect a backcountry tramping track

This track is a typical Tararua backcountry tramping track. It is rough, uneven and unformed in places, and you can expect to be scrambling up and down tree roots and over rocks. It gets very slippery and muddy, especially after rain.

Plan extra time

This track can be challenging, especially for newer trampers. Some people find this track takes them longer than they expect. Plan your day with extra time and pack a head torch, in case the track takes longer than anticipated.

Pack for bad weather

The Tararua Ranges are well known for wild, fast-changing and unpredictable weather. Anytime you go into the Tararua Forest Park, pack warm and waterproof clothing (even if the forecast is good).

Find a tramping packing list here.

Stay safe when crossing streams and rivers

There are unbridged side streams on this track. They are normally safe to cross but can flood and become dangerous after heavy rain.

Going to Sayers Hut requires an unbridged crossing of the Waiohine River. This is a large river, so only attempt this if you have good river crossing skills and the river conditions are favourable (low flow, no rain forecast).

Assess all streams and rivers before crossing and do not cross if they are flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe.

How to cross rivers safely

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 published in DOC's official route gallery with an explicit reuse licence. Its original caption and credit are retained; it does not establish current track conditions.