Waipapa River Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This scenic two-day tramp follows the Waipapa River through the heart of Puketī Forest. It is only recommended for experienced and well-equipped trampers. This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.

This DOC directory entry covers Waipapa River Track in Northland, within Puketī and Ōmahuta Forests. 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: 2 days
• 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 for recreational hunting or management purposes only. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.

This is a scenic tramp from Puketī Recreation Area to Forest Pools through the heart of Puketī Forest. It passes through regenerating shrub land, podacarp hardwood forest and mature kauri stands and follows the Waipapa River.

From the Puketī Recreation Area take the Pirau Road for approximately 9 km. Carry on along the Puketea Ridge Track.

There is a three-way intersection of the Puketea Ridge Track, the Lower Waipapa River Track and the Te Araroa Trail. Taking the Lower Waipapa River Track leads to the southern side of Puketī Forest and exits the forest at Forest Pools. Taking the Te Araroa Trail will exit the Omahuta Forest near the Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary.

Getting there

The Waipapa River Track is in Puketī Kauri Forest. If travelling south on State Highway 10, the forest is signposted 2.4 km south of Kaeo. If driving north on State Highway 10, 1 km north of Waipapa, turn left onto Pungaere Road and follow it for 16 km.

At the T-intersection, turn left, follow the road for about 2 km. Turn right into the Puketī Recreational Area. The Waipapa River Track starts from the Puketī Forest Headquarters near the information sign. It can also be accessed from the Forest Pools Picnic Area, as well as from the link tracks leading from the Pirau and Mokau Ridge Roads.

Know before you go

• Do not attempt the Waipapa River Track during heavy rain.

• There are numerous river crossings in the upper sections of the track. You will need a good standard of fitness and you should be prepared to get wet.

• The track is best walked in summer.

• It is advisable to carry a topographical map.

• Be aware that you are at risk of becoming hypothermic in winter.

• Do not leave cars at Forest Pools overnight, as there is a risk of theft.

• You may wish to boil streamwater before drinking.

• Take care driving on the area's unsealed roads.

• No fires due to the risks to wildlife

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.