Waingawa River Track (Mitre Flats to Cow Creek): Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This track sidles next to the Waingawa River from Mitre Flats Hut to Cow Creek Hut.

This DOC directory entry covers Waingawa River Track (Mitre Flats to Cow Creek) in Wellington, within Tararua 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
• Walking time: 3 hr 30 min
• 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 allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

From Mitre Flats Hut, the track heads upstream across Mitre Flats, beside Waingawa River on the true right. The track continues on the true right all the way to Cow Creek Hut.

The track is a sidle track above the river. It is a rough backcountry track – expect mud, tree roots and occasional fallen trees to climb over.

There are no crossings of Waingawa River on this track, but multiple unbridged crossings of side streams. These side streams can be dangerous to cross during/after heavy rain. If they are flooded or if you are not confident that they are safe to cross, wait for the water levels to drop.

Getting there

The track can be started from Cow Creek Hut or Mitre Flats Hut.

Know before you go

Expect a backcountry tramping track

This track is a typical Tararua backcountry tramping track. It is rough and uneven, and you can expect to be scrambling up and over tree roots.

Pack for bad weather

The Tararua Ranges are well known for their wild, fast-changing and unpredictable weather. Anytime you go into the Tararua Forest Park, pack warm and waterproof clothing (even if the forecast is good). Carry a distress beacon and an emergency shelter.

Find a tramping packing list here.

Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely

NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows

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 published in DOC's official route gallery with an explicit reuse licence. Its original caption and credit are retained; it does not establish current track conditions.