Thunderbolt Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

A popular access route for hunters, from Waipakihi River to the Thunderbolt tops.

This DOC directory entry covers Thunderbolt Track in Central North Island, within Kaimanawa 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
• Walking time: 1 hr
• 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.

• Deer control operation at Kaimanawa Remote Experience Zone; First published on 29 September 2026.

Dog access

Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Thunderbolt Track begins on the true left of the Waipakihi River, approximately halfway between Thunderbolt Creek and the point where Urchin Track ends in the Waipakihi River valley. It is a short, steep route which climbs straight up a steep ridge towards Motutere (1646 m).

The track ends at the bush line. There are no tracks or poled routes along the tops from here, if you are continuing across the tops then you will need to navigate yourself. It is only suitable for experienced trampers/hunters with good navigational skills and appropriate equipment (map and compass, GPS). Poor weather can make navigation very difficult.

Getting there

This route begins in the Waipakihi River and must be reached via untracked riverbed travel.

For information about Waipakihi River tramping, see Waipakihi Valley.

For other access routes into the valley, see Urchin Track and Umukarikari Track.

Know before you go

Be prepared for cold, wet weather at any time of year

The weather in Kaimanawa Forest Park is extremely changeable. Visitors should be prepared for cold wet conditions even in summer. Frosts and snow are likely on high ground throughout the year.

The annual rainfall is approximately 3500 mm and decreases towards the east.

Always carry warm and waterproof clothing. Check weather forecast

Pack for a remote, backcountry area

The Kaimanawa Forest Park is a remote area and you can expect rough, tramping tracks. It is best suited to experienced trampers with river crossing, navigation and backcountry skills.

Pack to be self-sufficient by packing everything on this tramping packing list.

There is no cell phone coverage in many parts of the park. Always carry a distress beacon.

Check the fire danger

During periods of extreme fire danger the lighting of fires in the open may be prohibited. Check the fire danger on checkitsalright.nz

Even when fires are allowed, we recommend using portable stoves rather than lighting open fires. If you must use a wood fire, obtain firewood from dead trees only.

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.