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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: -35.23546, 173.70292. 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
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 2 hr
- Track grade
- Intermediate
- Location
- Puketī and Ōmahuta Forests
- Dog access
- Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes 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
This is a well-marked track through established bush with valley views and large kauri trees. This track connects with the Waipapa River Track.
This DOC directory entry covers Pukatea Ridge Track in Northland, within Puketī and Ōmahuta Forests. 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: 2 hr
- DOC grade: Intermediate
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 for recreational hunting or management purposes only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The Pukatea Ridge Track begins 7.5 km along the Pirau Ridge and descends to the lower Waipapa River Track leading to Forest Pools.
Getting there
The Puketī Kauri Forest is signposted from SH10 south of Kaeo and north of Waipapa. The Forest can also be reached from SH1, north of Ōkaihau.
Take care when you leave the State Highway as you will be travelling on unsealed roads.
Know before you go
High degree of skill and experience, as well as route-finding abilities required.
No fires due to risks to wildlife.
Carry warm, waterproof clothing, and food and drink, even on short walks.
Stout shoes or walking boots are advisable.
You may wish to boil water from the streams before drinking.
For longer tramps NZTopo50 maps are essential.
Leaving vehicles at road ends over night is not advisable due to the risk of theft.
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.
