Mangamate Loop Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

The loop covers a range of track types including multiple river crossing. This makes it an ideal introduction to backcountry tramping.

This DOC directory entry covers Mangamate Loop Track in Gisborne, within Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation 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: 34.3 km loop
• Walking time: 3 days
• DOC grade: Intermediate; 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.

Dog access

Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Elevation profile of the Mangamate Loop track – view larger in Whirinaki walks brochure

Day one is on a well-formed track of a high standard. However, the next two days transition onto unformed tracks where you will be constantly crossing the Mangamate Stream. River-crossing skills are required.

The track starts and ends along the Whirinaki Waterfall Loop.

Day 1: River Rd car park to Central Whirinaki Hut

Time: 5 hrDistance: 16 km

Begin at the River Rd carpark. After crossing Te Whaiti-Nui-a-Toi Canyon bridge, keep the Whirinaki River on your right side and head south. After 1 hr (3.5 km), cross the Mangamate Bridge (you’ll end up back here on day 3).

Carry on past the Whirinaki Waterfall and up to Vern’s Campsite. With a shelter and toilet, this is a good place to stop for lunch. From Vern’s it's another 8 km to the first overnight stay at Central Whirinaki Hut.

Day 2: Central Whirinaki Hut to Mangamate Hut

Time: 4 hr 30 minDistance: 8.2 km

From Central Whirinaki Hut carry on along the Whirinaki River for 45 min (2 km), till you reach Taumutu bridge. The track branches left onto the Taumutu Stream and after around 1 km branches left again onto the Kakanui Stream. From here the route is almost entirely in the stream. After about 1 hr 30 min, the track climbs sharply to Mangamate Hut, which is located high on a ridge.

Day 3: Mangamate Hut to River Rd carpark

Time: 4 hr Distance: 10.1 km

The track travels steeply down from the hut where it now enters the Upper Mangamate Stream. From the hut it's 3 hr (6.6 km) down-stream to the Mangamate bridge. The track is in and out of the stream – expect 60+ stream crossings. At the Mangamate bridge the loop closes. With the Whirinaki River on your left, follow the track back to River Road car park.

Getting there

The track is 90 km south of Rotorua

• Turn off SH5 onto SH38 near Maunga Kākaramea.

• At Te Whaiti, turn into Minginui Road, then into Old Te Whaiti Road (gravel) at Minginui Village.

• Take first left into River Road and follow the signs. It's around 10 min to River Road carpark.

Know before you go

NZTopo50 map sheet: BG38 (Wairapukao)

River crossings: There are multiple streams crossings on this track. Streams can become unsafe in high rainfall. If you are unsure about crossing, return to the hut until the stream can be negotiated safely.

Track condition

This site may be damaged with slips, flooding or fallen trees from severe weather. Be prepared to turn back if needed.

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.