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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: -38.43088, 174.74704. 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
- 16 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 8 hr return
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Whareorino Conservation Area
- Dog access
- Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. 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
Crossing the beautiful Herangi Range, this alternative track leads to Leitch's Hut.
This DOC directory entry covers Mangatoa 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: 16 km 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.
Dog access
Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
From the car park, walk along the gradually climbing track until you reach the Herangi Ridge. The track veers right and drops down past the Waikawau Track junction before taking you to Leitch's Hut.
Getting there
Turn onto Manganui Road from SH3, north of Awakino. Manganui Road becomes Mangatoa Road north of Waikawau. Car parking is available on the Mangatoa Road saddle.
Know before you go
In winter and periods of heavy rain the rivers 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.
Illegal poisons were found around this track in 2020 and dog permits were suspended. There has been no evidence of poison since then, and dog permits are available. But visitors should remain vigilant and report any suspicious acticity to the local office.
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.
