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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: -38.99452, 175.39834. 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
- 3.8 km loop
- Walking time
- 2 hr
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Waimarino - Ōwhango area
- Dog access
- Dogs on a leash only. 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 through a variety of attractive scenery - with picnic areas and good places to swim as well this track is a good option with children.
This DOC directory entry covers Ohinetonga Track in Central North Island, within Waimarino - Ōwhango 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: 3.8 km loop
- Walking time: 2 hr
- DOC grade: Easy
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.
- Ohinetonga Track partially closed; First published on 27 July 2026. Last reviewed on 11 August 2026.
Dog access
Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The track winds through a variety of attractive scenery, past Ohinetonga Lagoon and through beautiful forest.
There are picnic areas and good places to swim by the river.
Be aware of rockfall risk and steep drops on a short section of the track.
Getting there
Turn off SH4 at the ‘walking tracks’ sign in Ōwhango, 35 km from Whakapapa Village.
Know before you go
Be aware of rockfall risk and steep drops
There is a risk of rockfalls on a short section of the track. The rockfall risk area is marked with signs. Move quickly and carefully through the area, and do not stop.
The risk is highest during/after heavy rain, but rockfalls can still occur at other times. They can cause serious injury or death.
There are also steep drops down to the river in places – keep an eye on children and stay well back from the edge.
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.
