Urchin Track (to Waipakihi Valley): Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This track gives access to the mid Waipakihi valley, via Mt Urchin.

This DOC directory entry covers Urchin Track (to Waipakihi Valley) 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: 7 km one way
• Walking time: 3 - 4 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 track entrance, the track climbs steadily up through beech forest to the bush line.

After the bush line, the track continues to climb towards the summit of Urchin. It passes an interesting array of alpine plants.

The Urchin trig is located at 1391 m, usually reached 2-2 hours 30 mins from the road end. The trig is a good place to stop for lunch, with a wide vista of Lake Taupō and the volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park.

From the trig, the track travels for about 2 km across the open tops. You reach a track junction, with the option of descending off the side of the ridge or continuing along a ridge towards Umukarikari (U2 Route).

Take the right-hand track, to descend off the ridge. The track descends steeply into the middle reaches of the Waipakihi River Valley.

There are many great places to camp in the valley or you can continue upstream to Waipākihi Hut near the top of the valley (an additional 5 - 6 hours of tramping).

There is no marked route to Waipakihi Hut, you will need to follow the river valley. It will be dangerous if the river is high (for example, during/following heavy rain). Assess the river carefully and don’t attempt this trip if you aren’t confident that it’s safe.

Genesis Energy monitors flows in the Waipakihi River, see Genesis Energy website or phone +64 7 386 8113.

Mountain biking

No mountain biking allowed.

Getting there

Turn off SH1 onto Kaimanawa Road, 15 km south of Tūrangi. After the bridge over Tongariro River, take the next right. Follow this road past the Pillars of Hercules turn off and almost all the way to Urchin Campsite. Turn off onto a 4WD road shortly before the campsite, then continue up this road until you see the Urchin Track entrance.

Know before you go

Take care if tramping up Waipakihi River

It is not safe to tramp up the Waipakihi riverbed in all conditions – it will be dangerous if the river is high (for example, during/following heavy rain). Assess the river carefully and don’t attempt this trip if you aren’t confident that it’s safe.

Have a back-up plan for if this route is not possible and carry an emergency shelter and extra food, in case you are delayed by a rising river.

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)).

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.