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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: -38.46639, 174.80670. 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
- 24 km return return via same track
- Walking time
- 8 hr return
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Whareorino Conservation Area
- Seasonal restrictions
- This track crosses private land. Conditions can change rapidly – email the owners first to find out about any changes (barkernz@xtra.co.nz). Access is closed between 1 September – 10 October each year for lambing.
- Dog access
- No dogs. 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
Walk alongside the Awakino River to Leitch's Hut.
This DOC directory entry covers Mahoenui Track in Waikato, within Whareorino 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: 24 km return return via same track
- Walking time: 8 hr return
- 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.
- Predator control operation in Whareorino Conservation Area; First published on 27 May 2026. Last reviewed on 1 July 2026.
Seasonal restrictions
This track crosses private land. Conditions can change rapidly – email the owners first to find out about any changes (barkernz@xtra.co.nz). Access is closed between 1 September – 10 October each year for lambing.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
From Chris and Jan Barker's farm on Gribbon Road, this pleasant track follows the Awakino River upstream to Leitch's Hut.
Park at the cattle yards of this working farm (ensure your vehicle is parked clear of gateways). From there, follow markers through the farm to public conservation land. The track mainly follows the river north to the junction with the Waikawau Track. Cross to the east bank of the Awakino River and walk north for 5 minutes to the hut.
Getting there
Gribbon Road is on the right, 22 km south of Piopio off SH3. Car parking and the start of the track is at the end of the road. Gribbon Road (10 km) has a gravel surface.
Know before you go
In winter and periods of heavy rain the river may be too deep to cross. Check the weather forecast before walking this track.
Keep to the tracks to prevent the spread of chytrid fungus that affects the endangered Archey's frog.
Maps: Use NZTopo50 BF31 (Marokopa ) and BF32 (Piopio)
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.
