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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: -45.54148, 169.03891. 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
- 7 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 4 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Waikaia Forest Conservation Area
- 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 backcountry route is suitable for experienced trampers. It is partially closed due to track damage.
This DOC directory entry covers Waikaia River Track in Southland, within Waikaia Forest 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: 7 km return via same track
- Walking time: 4 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.
Dog access
Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This is a backcountry route and should only be attempted by suitably equipped, experienced walkers.
It follows up the true right of the river, crosses a swing bridge and returns along the opposite bank and along the road.
Due to extensive damage, the track is closed between Jack Edgerton Bridge and the Titans Rocks junction.
These sections are open:
from Piano Flat swing bridge to the Titans Rocks, and
from Post Office Creek to the Jack Edgerton Bridge.
Getting there
Waikaia is situated 54 km north of Gore beside the Waikaia River.
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.
