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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: -39.23171, 174.10539. 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
- 5 km one way
- Walking time
- 2 hr 30 min
- Track grade
- Expert
- Location
- Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki
- 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
A route through the forest above the Waiwhakaiho River.
This DOC directory entry covers Waiwhakaiho Route in Taranaki, within Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 5 km one way
- Walking time: 2 hr 30 min
- 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.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The Waiwhakaiho Route starts by Rahiri Cottage at the edge of Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki. After entering the forest it climbs steadily uphill along the edge of the Waiwhakaiho Gorge, high above the Waiwhakaiho River.
The route continues until you reach the junction with the Mangaoraka Track. The distances described on this page are to the Mangaoraka picnic area. From the junction there are a few options:
exit through the Mangaoraka picnic area to be picked up by prearranged transport
continue on to the Kaiauai carpark on Egmont Road to be picked up by prearranged transport (an extra 30 min walk)
return back down the Waiwhakaiho Route
or continue on to the Ram Track to North Egmont and complete the Ngatoro - Mangaoraka - Waiwhakaiho - Ram Track.
Getting there
The track starts at Rahiri Cottage on Egmont Road.
To get there, head 13 km south from New Plymouth to Egmont Village. Turn off State Highway 3 on to Egmont Road and follow it to the edge of the forest. There is a car park next to the cottage.
Know before you go
Stream crossings
Unbridged stream crossings may become impassable after heavy rain.
Track conditions
This track has overgrown sections and can be hard to navigate. There may be fallen trees.
Be prepared for changeable weather
Weather on the mountain changes rapidly – you must be well prepared with suitable clothing and equipment for all weather and conditions.
Snow, high rainfall and storm damage can make tracks impassable – many rivers and streams are unbridged.
Check the Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki weather forecast before you go.
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.
