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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: -38.46120, 174.72599. 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
- 28 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 14 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Whareorino Conservation Area
- Dog access
- No dogs. 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 route for intrepid trampers is the longest track to Leitch's Hut.
This DOC directory entry covers **Waikawau Track ** in Waikato, within Whareorino 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: 28 km return via same track
- Walking time: 14 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
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Follow the markers along the Waikawau and Mangapapa Rivers. This is a gradual climb with several river crossings. Continue up to the Waikawau Saddle and then descend to Leitch's Clearing. Follow the clearing down to the Awakino River, cross it and walk north along the river for 5 minutes to Leitch's Hut.
Getting there
From the western side, access from Mangatoa Saddle Track, which connects to Mangatoa Saddle Road. From the eastern, access from Leitch’s Track which can be reached from Leitch Road.
Know before you go
This track has overgrown vegetation, windfalls, slips and loss of marking in places. Trampers are advised to take extreme care.
In winter and periods of heavy rain the rivers may be too deep to cross. Check the weather forecast before walking this track.
Keep to the tracks to prevent the spread of chytrid fungus that affects the endangered Archey's frog.
Illegal poisons were found around this track in 2020 and dog permits were suspended. There has been no evidence of poison since then, and dog permits are available. But visitors should remain vigilant and report any suspicious acticity to the local office.
Maps: Use NZTopo50 BF31 (Marokopa ) and BF32 (Piopio)
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.
