Nikau Flat and Kotepato Tracks: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

These two scenic tracks offer excellent opportunity for trout fishing and hunting. The Nikau Flat Track follows alongside the Waioweka River and the Kotepato Track follows alongside the Te Pato Stream.

This DOC directory entry covers Nikau Flat and Kotepato Tracks in Gisborne, within Ōpōtiki area / Waioweka 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
• Walking time: 1-2 days
• 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.

• Nikau Flat Track closed; First published on 13 October 2023. Last reviewed on 23 December 2025.

Dog access

Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

These two tracks are accessed through private land. Both tracks follow rivers giving a scenic experience through native bush. There are good swimming holes alongside the Nikau Flat Track and great fishing so take your time and enjoy. The gradient for the majority of these tracks is mostly easy but a good level of fitness is required for adults and children.

Redpath Road end to Kotepato Hut

Time: 2 to 3 hours one way

Follow the farm track to bush edge where you will cross the Waioeka River. From here the track follows the Te Pato upstream taking about 30 mins to reach the Kotepato Hut.

Redpath Road end to Nikau Flat Hut

Time: 3 to 4 hours one way

Follow the farm track to the bush edge then a well benched track follows the Waioeka River on the true left finishing at the Nikau Flat Hut on a grassy river flat.

Backcountry experience required.

Nikau Flat Hut to Kotepato Hut

Time: 2 to 3 hours

From Nikau Flat Hut, continue north along the Waioeka River. About 1.5 hr north of the hut there is a track to the east that takes you on a 1 km detour up Te Pato Stream to Kotepato Hut.

Kotepato Hut to Wairata Road end

Time: 1 to 2 hours

From Kotepato Hut return to the Waioeka River and head downstream. The track turns into a 4WD road and reaches Redpath Road after 4 km.

Getting there

Travel halfway (42 km) through the Waioeka Gorge on SH2 from Opotiki. Turn into Wairata Rd and travel for 2 km before turning right and crossing a bridge onto Redpath Rd. Continue down Redpath Rd until you reach the stockyards at the road end. Park in the designated area.

You will walk 1 - 2 hours across private farmland on a farm track before reaching the bush where signage will direct you to either tracks.

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.