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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: -35.53899, 173.52385. 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 one way
- Track grade
- Advanced
- 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 moderately challenging track leads into the beautiful and rugged Waimā Forest.
This DOC directory entry covers Taita Bridle 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: 2 hr one way
- 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.
Dog access
Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The track starts by passing through farmland and pockets of native bush as it heads up the valley of the Oraora Stream. When the bush opens there are clear views across the valley of the lower reaches of the Waimā Ranges.
As the track continues into more dense, mature forest it becomes progressively rougher and wetter. It passes through rolling terrain, roots and wet areas as it follows the Ora Ora Stream. The surrounding bush and scenery is picturesque.
The track ends at the Ora Ora Saddle where it connects with the Waimā Main Range Track.
There is a suitable camping site on the Waimā Main Range Track 700 m south of the junction of the Taita Bridle Track (E1653443, N6067067).
Getting there
At Waimamaku, turn off SH12 onto Taita Road and follow this to the track entrance.
Know before you go
The track is isolated and challenging − trampers need to be prepared and experienced in the backcountry.
There is no cellphone reception on this 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.
