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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: -39.13515, 175.89384. 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
- 14 km one way
- Walking time
- 6 - 8 hr one way
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Kaimanawa Forest Park
- Dog access
- Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. 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 track leads across the Umukarikari Range to the upper Waipakihi valley and Waipakihi Hut.
This DOC directory entry covers Umukarikari Track (to Waipakihi Hut) 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: 14 km one way
- Walking time: 6 - 8 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 only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
From the road end, Umukarikari Track climbs steadily through beech forest to the treeline. From there it follows a poled route along the Umukarikari Range, with spectacular views across the Kaimanawa Forest Park, Lake Taupō and the volcanoes.
The route passes Sharp Cone (1481 m) and the Umukarikari summit (1561 m). From the summit, the route follows a long, open ridge. At the end of the ridge, the track drops down into the Waipahiki Valley.
The route crosses the Waipakihi River. This crossing is not bridged, so take care – it may not be passable during/after heavy rain. From the true left of the river, a short track leads up to Waipakihi Hut.
The hut is popular with hunters and trampers. It has excellent views of the river valley and the Kaimanawa tops.
Mountain biking
No mountain biking allowed.
Getting there
From Tūrangi, follow SH1 south for 15 km, then turn off onto Kaimanawa Rd. After the bridge over Tongariro River, stay left at the fork. Follow the road then turn left at the Waikoko Campsite and continue for 500 m before turning left on to Umakarikari Road.
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.
Be careful when crossing rivers
Rivers and streams can rise rapidly during and after heavy rain. Be careful when crossing – assess them carefully and decide whether it is safe to cross. Take extra care when crossing larger rivers such as the Mohaka, Ōamaru, Ngaruroro and Waipakihi Rivers.
Carry an emergency shelter and extra food, in case you are delayed by impassable rivers.
Genesis Energy monitors flows in the Waipakihi River, see Tongariro flow, level and rain data or phone +64 7 386 8113 (or free phone 0800 435 697 (0800 4 FLOWS)).
Learn river crossing skills
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.
