North-South Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This is a multi-day tramp using rugged routes suitable for expert backcountry trampers only. Trampers will need to camp in addition to staying in huts.

This DOC directory entry covers North-South Track in Bay of Plenty, within Kaimai Mamaku Conservation 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: 82 km one way
• Walking time: 5 - 7 days
• DOC grade: Expert

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

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

The North-South Track takes at least five days of serious tramping. The walk can be shortened by entering or exiting the Forest Park at a side track. This tramp involves many river crossings, steep and technical terrain, and includes remote areas which are challenging to maintain and may involve navigating around landslides and fallen trees.

The old North-South track along the crest of the main range from Mount Te Aroha through Pahiko and Wahine Rock is a route – it can be extremely muddy, and overgrown. It is suitable for expert backcountry trampers only.

The recommended North-South track is via Waitawheta Hut, and the Waitawheta and Wharawhara valleys.

There are some huts that can be used during this tramp but camping is also necessary along the way.

Kauritatahi and Mangamuka huts are well off the main track

These two huts are accessed by difficult routes and should only be attempted by experienced trampers.

This is because the distance between these two huts is not considered a reasonable day’s tramp – camping is unavoidable. It is therefore better to skip both huts or plan for extra days, and plan to camp once or twice at suitable locations on the track between Motutapere Hut and Te Whare Okioki.

Example itinerary

The following itinerary, over seven days, is a guide only:

• Day 1 – Karangahake Gorge (SH2) to Daly’s Clearing Hut

• Day 2 – Dalys Clearing Hut to Waitawheta Hut

• Day 3 – Waitawheta Hut to Te Rereatukahia Hut

• Day 4 – Te Rereatukahia Hut to Poupou Stream

• Day 5 – Poupou Stream to Te Whare Okioki

• Day 6 – Te Whare Okioki to Hurunui Hut or Kaimai Summit (SH29)

• Day 7 – (optional) Hurunui Hut to Kaimai Summit (SH29)

Getting there

The track starts from Karangahake Gorge, off SH2 at Karangahake. The track exits on to SH29 at the Kaimai Summit.

Know before you go

You must be well prepared when tramping. Ensure you have a tent, sleeping bag, topographic map, torch, strong boots, warm clothing, a good raincoat, first aid kit, ample food and drink, a hat, and sunscreen. Do not rely on mobile coverage, which is intermittent.

There is a river crossing on this track.

Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely

NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows

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.