Waitengaue Track
Track closed until further notice due to the kauri disease pathogen found in the Kaimais. Please note, a rāhui (temporary prohibition) is in place until further notice. Find out more here.
Getting there
Woodland Road, Katikati
Turn onto Woodland Road north of Katikati and follow the road until the end. Park access is 1km past the end of the road.
About the walks
Waitengaue Track to Waitawheta Hut
4 hours one way, 9.8 km
From Woodland Road the track follows along the fence line to a suspension bridge crossing the Wairoa Stream. At the following junction, take the Waitengaue Track westward before crossing the Waitengaue Stream twice (a rough emergency bypass avoids the two stream crossings).
The route then follows the river and a side creek before climbing over a saddle to arrive at the Waitengaue Campsite. The track makes several river crossings before passing a junction with the track to the Waitawheta Valley via Ananui Falls and Bluff Stream.
The Waitengaue Track continues along the tramway with a river crossing and then follows a tributary. After a steep saddle, it descends into the Waitawheta Valley. Turn right at the junction and go for 100 m to another junction; the hut is 100m up from here.
Alternative route to Ananui Falls
This track climbs to the top of the falls themselves. Follow the directions for the Waitengaue Track (above) until the junction with the Ananui Falls Track and Bluff Stream Track. Take the path north. Return along the same route. 4 hours return from Woodland Road end.
Wairoa Track to shelter and tent sites
4 hours one way, 10.7 km
From Woodlands Road the path follows along the fence line to a suspension bridge crossing the Wairoa Stream. This walk then follows the Wairoa upstream to meet the Wairoa Tramway, which it follows for 30 minutes to the first of several river crossings.
The track then climbs up a steep spur, passing through a notable stand of kauri rickers. Spectacular views over the Wairoa Valley to the Ananui Falls are visible from the junction with the Lindemann Road Pack Track (it is 2 hours to Lindemann Road from here).
The route continues southward for a further 25 minutes before reaching the junction with another track to Lindemann Road (1 hour to road from here).
Just past this junction is the site of an historic kauri dam. The track then crosses a small stream and climbs up a short distance to follow a water race, which was used to help collect water for the dam. It then follows along the bed of an old log chute before reaching the Wairoa shelter and tent sites.
Alternative route leading to North South Track
From Wairoa shelter the track continues through the bush and picks up an early bullock track, climbing over a hill and joining the North South Track at the site of Cashmore’s Clearing.
