By Outdoor Next Editorial standards
On this page
Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 4-5 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Ruahine Forest Park
- 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
A very steep uphill tramp over an easement that traverses private farmland to the Ruahine Forest Park, where the track descends a ridge to Otukota Hut.
This DOC directory entry covers Mokai Road End to Otukota Hut in Manawatu-Whanganui, within Ruahine 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: 4-5 hr
- 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.
- Iron Bark suspension bridge damage; First published on 6 October 2025. Last reviewed on 3 August 2026.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
From Mokai Road end, follow the orange triangles and Signs to the carpark, then walk approximately 3 hrs over an easement that crosses private farmland following the wooden posts and waratahs to the Forest Park.
From here descend down a ridge for approximately 2 hours to the Maropea River to arrive at Otukota Hut.
Getting there
To get to the Mokai Road end, head north from Mangaweka and turn right off SH1 onto Gorge Road. Cross the Hautapu River and then take the first left onto Wairanu Road, then the first right onto Torere Road.
Stay on Torere Raod until you get to Torere junction and then turn right onto Mokai Road. Follow Mokai Road all the way to the end.
The road end and carpark area is steep and can be slippery. AWD/4WD vehicles are recommended. It is unsuitable for buses.
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.
