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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: -38.94296, 174.72618. 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
- 3-4 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Moki and Makino Conservation Areas
- Seasonal restrictions
- The track is closed from 1 August to 31 October every year for the lambing season.
- Dog access
- Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. 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 track was made around 1910 by road workers using wheelbarrows, picks and shovels.
This DOC directory entry covers Rerekapa Track in Taranaki, within Moki and Makino Conservation Areas. 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: 3-4 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.
Seasonal restrictions
The track is closed from 1 August to 31 October every year for the lambing season.
Dog access
Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The Rerekapa Track starts at Kiwi Road and crosses open farmland then turns left across Blacketts Creek. The track skirts the base of the ridge and winds to the top of a low saddle then down through undisturbed tawa/kamahi forest into the valley. There have been sightings of kōkako in this area.
The Rerekapa Hut is nearby. This basic backcountry hut is privately managed but is available for public use. Contact Rerekapa Hut Supporters Incorporated, phone +64 6 754 6005 for details of fees and bookings.
The track reaches a boundary fence and crosses a farm, following the fence to a former homestead site and the 10 m high Rerekapa Falls (2 hr 45 min from Kiwi Road).
Beyond the farm buildings the track re-enters the Moki forest which, on this section of the track has been logged but not cleared.
The track finally emerges on Mangapapa Road, which links Moki and Okau Roads and is part of the historic Stratford/Taumarunui Heritage Trail (The Forgotten Highway). Either arrange to have a car waiting at Mangapapa Road, or return to Kiwi Road (3.5 hr).
Getting there
This track is located 68 km north of New Plymouth. Turn off at Uruti onto Uruti Road, then Moki Road. Turn left onto Kiwi Road, the track starts 12 km on the right. Park your car on the roadside.
More detailed information about the area can be found on map NZTopo50 sheet BH31.
Know before you go
No mountain biking
Mountain biking on this track is no longer suitable due to erosion, slips and deterioration of the original benched track.
Dogs
Dogs are prohibited except where authorisation has been granted by DOC. People wishing to take a dog into this area need to get a permit from the local DOC office and have a current kiwi aversion certificate.
Avian awareness and avoidance training
To take dogs across private property, or tracks crossing farmland, you must get permission from the landowner.
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.
