By Outdoor Next Editorial standards
On this page
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: -35.51117, 173.47002. 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
- 1 hr 30 min one way
- Track grade
- Intermediate
- Location
- Waimā & Mataraua 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 walk to Framptons Hut and on to the Waimā Main Range Track.
This DOC directory entry covers Six Foot Track in Northland, within Waimā & Mataraua 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: 1 hr 30 min one way
- 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.
- Six Foot Track closed due to large slip; First published on 30 June 2026. Last reviewed on 2 October 2026.
Dog access
Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This wide, well graded track with a gentle incline leads into the Waimā Ranges. It's the easiest access to Framptons Hut.
The track follows a tributary of the Whirinaki River through regenerating native vegetation. Mountain streams and small waterfalls cascade down from the ridges above into the valley below. There are some great views north across the Hokianga district.
The track connects with the Waimā Main Range Track and the Hauturu Highpoint Track.
Getting there
From Opononi head east on SH12 for 4 km then turn onto Mountain Road. Continue for a further 5 km to the end of Mountain Road.
Know before you go
Be ready for back country track conditions
The track may be damaged with slips, flooding or fallen trees from severe weather. Be prepared to turn back if needed.
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.
