Trains Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Follow the Waitōtara River to Trains Hut.

This DOC directory entry covers Trains Track in Manawatu-Whanganui, within Waitōtara Conservation Area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 15 km one way
• Walking time: 4–5 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.

• Slips and damage on Trains Track; First published on 9 October 2025. Last reviewed on 3 March 2026.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

This track follows the Waitōtara River to Trains Hut.

The first hour is on a bulldozed track to Kapara homestead/farm which is private land.

For the next one and a half hours the track follows the packhorse road that separates the scrub covered Kapara farm and the Waitōtara River. There are three swingbridges on this section.

After tunnel culvert, the track moves into heavier bush. Some of the track in this area is on high ledges above the river and side gorges.

The track breaks into open river bank as you approach the fork with the Ōmaru Stream. Soon after is Terereohaupa Falls. Access to view them is just a little way downstream. Trains Hut is about 10 minutes away. The section of the river between the falls and the hut is very picturesque.

Getting there

From Whanganui, drive west on State Highway 3 for 29 km towards the township of Waitōtara. Just before the road bridge over the Waitōtara River turn left onto Waitōtara Valley Road. Continue along this road for 43 km until it becomes Taumatatahi Road. Carry on this road for another 10 km to the roadend. The carpark is on the right just before the cattlestop.

Know before you go

• Fires – fires are not permitted.

• Weather conditions – track users are urged to observe the weather conditions and seek advice as wet, slippery conditions may be experienced at times, particularly during winter and early spring.

• Communications – this area is remote with no cell phone coverage. It is recommended that you carry an emergency alert device such as a PLB/Spot tracker.

• Dropoffs – there are multiple dropoffs on this track. Care should be taken while passing these.

• Windfalls – there may be windfalls on the track after weather events. Care should be taken while going around the fallen trees.

• Water – during dry periods, extra water should be carried as the hut water may be dry or stagnant. Treat or boil all water before drinking.

• Wasps – wasps are a known hazard and are particularly common from January until May. Carry antihistamine if you are allergic to their stings.

Slips and closures

If starting from the Taumatatahi Road end to Trains Hut, be aware there were two slips on the track in 2021. Both are passable but take care when crossing the slip faces.

The Letter Boxes to Puniwhakaū Road end section of the track is closed. This route is overgrown creating difficulty in locating track markers. There is also a 6 m bridge out near Charlie’s on the western end of the 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.