Pukeatua Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Pukeatua Track connects Otaki Forks to Mangaone South Road. This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.

This DOC directory entry covers Pukeatua Track in Wellington, within Tararua 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: 14 km one way
• Walking time: 6-7 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.

• Fenceline Walk closed but access to Pukeatua Track still possible; First published on 10 April 2024. Last reviewed on 23 July 2026.

• Predator control Tararua Forest Park; First published on 3 March 2026. Last reviewed on 21 May 2026.

Dog access

Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.

The first part of the track climbs steadily through mixed forest with grass clearings that provide sweeping views of Otaki Forks and the Tararua Range. The highest point at Pukeatua (812m) is a good place to lunch. The track then descends down a series of bush clad ridges, passing through private land and pine plantation before joining a four wheel drive track and exiting at South Mangaone Road Car Park opposite the Mangaone Walkway.

The area adjacent to the pine forest is private land covenanted with the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust to preserve native forest. Walkers are required to respect the protected area and stay on the marked track (blue poles).

Track details

The Pukeatua Track starts at the Fenceline Carpark at Otaki Forks, 2km from Parawai Hut. From the DOC information sign, follow the Fenceline Loop Track for 700m to a marked junction to Pukeatua Track. The track takes a sharp left uphill turn to a southwest ridge.

Continue uphill for about 3 hours with a hard right turn just prior to exiting the bush before Pukeatua (812m). The track skirts the scrubby tops on the eastern side to Pukeatua Summit. From the summit the track follows the south side of a westerly ridge to a saddle and then northwest down a ridge to a broad ridge and intersection. Turn right at the fork, following the markers down to a stream. Turn right at the stream and cross diagonally just above the junction and then left on to a four wheel drive track leading to a metalled road.

Exit left and walk down the road, crossing the pedestrian bridge to the South Mangaone Road Car Park and track end. Note: The Gorge road to Otaki Forks is narrow and winding and not safe for walkers.

Getting there

• Northern entrance/exit: Ōtaki Forks, Fenceline car park. Ōtaki Forks is 19 km inland from Ōtaki township – approximately 1 hr 30 min drive from Wellington or Palmerston North.

• Southern entrance/exit: Mangaone South Road. Mangaone South Road runs off Ngatiawa Road, 8 km south-east from Waikanae.

Know before you go

What to expect

This is a typical backcountry tramping track. It is rough and uneven, and you can expect mud in places and to be scrambling up and down tree roots.

There are small stream crossings and sections of 4WD track/road where there can be vehicles.

Pack well, including warm and waterproof clothing

Weather in the Tararua Forest Park can change rapidly. Cold and wet weather is common at any time of year. Always carry a waterproof raincoat and plenty of warm layers of clothing.

Pack a torch, plenty of drinking water and everything on the day hikes gear list.

Full list of what to take on a day walk.

Private Property

This track crosses private property. When crossing this area, keep to the track marked by orange triangles and blue poles. Dogs, firearms, fires and bikes are not allowed on this section of track.

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.