By Outdoor Next Editorial standards
On this page
Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 1 hr
- Track grade
- Expert
- 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
An access route from the upper Waipakihi valley to the Middle Range tops.
This DOC directory entry covers Waipakihi Middle Range Route 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 1 hr
- DOC grade: Expert
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.
- Deer control operation at Kaimanawa Remote Experience Zone; First published on 29 September 2026.
Dog access
Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Follow the track down from Waipakihi Hut to Waipahiki River. Follow the markers downstream to the bush edge. The route then climbs a steep ridge through the bush. It reaches the bush line at around 1300m, then continues to climb to the high point at 1475 m.
The route ends here, there are no formal tracks or routes beyond this point on the Middle Range tops. If you are continuing across the tops then you will need to navigate yourself. It is only suitable for experienced trampers/hunters with good navigational skills and appropriate equipment (map and compass, GPS).
Getting there
This route begins at Waipakihi Hut. For access tracks to Waipakihi Hut, see Umukarikari Track, Waipakihi Valley and Urchin Track.
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.
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.
