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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -45.74392, 167.91867. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 8.5 km one way
- Walking time
- 4 hr
- Track grade
- Expert
- Location
- Takitimu Conservation Area
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
This route follows the Wairaki River up to Upper Waitaki Hut in the headwaters of the catchment.
This DOC directory entry covers Lower Wairaki Hut to Upper Wairaki Hut Route in Southland, within Takitimu Conservation 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: 8.5 km one way
- Walking time: 4 hr
- 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.
Description
From Lower Wairaki Hut, this route (not signposted) drops down to the river where a large orange triangle is seen on the other side of the river. This section is part of Te Araroa Trail. Cross the river and follow the true left of the valley for about an hour, where you will reach a track junction and a DOC sign.
Take the Lower Wairaki Hut to Upper Waitaki Hut Route and follow the true left of the river for 3 hours until you arrive at Upper Waitaki Hut.
Getting there
Access from Ohai to the Lower Wairaki Hut is only possible through Beaumont Station – permission is needed from the station owners. Phone +64 27 304 3644 (owner), or +64 22 405 2702 (manager).
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.
