Waitewaewae Hut Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

The track to Waitewaewae Hut crosses a terrace above the Otaki River, before entering the bush to follow an old tramway and criss-cross several creeks. This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.

This DOC directory entry covers Waitewaewae Hut Track 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: 5 - 7 hr one way
• 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.

• Predator control for part of Tararua Forest Park; First published on 2 May 2026. Last reviewed on 3 June 2026.

Dog access

Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.

From the main Otaki Forks carpark, cross the swing bridge and climb to the river terrace. After crossing the terrace the track drops to another swing bridge over the Otaki river. The track then climbs again until it crosses the top of a large slip. From here the track sidles across to Papa Creek and continues towards Plateau Creek.

The track then follows Plateau Creek down to Saddle Creek, then reaches the Plateau which is approximately the half way point. On the far side of the plateau the track drops down following the true right of a small stream. At the point where the track eventually crosses the stream you will find a junction marked with large orange triangles. The main track crosses here and sidles around a large bend in the Otaki River to the hut.

The alternate track which continues down the true right is a short cut to the Otaki River. There is no marked track to the hut from there so navigation and river crossing skills are essential along with low river levels.

Getting there

The track starts from Otaki Forks.

Ōtaki Forks is 19 km inland from Ōtaki township – approximately 1 hr 30 min drive from Wellington or Palmerston North. The easiest turnoff from SH1 is at Ōtaki Gorge Road, just south of the SH1 bridge over the Ōtaki River.

Know before you go

This track has challenging sections, plan plenty of time

There are several sections on this track are hard to manoeuvre and extra care is required. Plan extra time in case the track takes longer than you expect.

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

Pack for bad weather

The Tararua Forest Park is well known for wild, fast-changing and unpredictable weather.

Always check the weather forecast

Pack warm and waterproof clothing, even if the forecast is good.

Carry emergency equipment including a torch, spare food, a distress beacon and an emergency shelter.

Find a tramping packing list here

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. There are muddy and slippery sections. Follow the orange triangles.

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.