Waipapa River Track
Track category
Tramping track
Time:
2 days
Description
Pink manuka can be seen on the
Waipapa River track, Puketi Forest
The Waipapa River Track was a direct through-route to Forest Pools until early 2006. Due to changes in the depth and course of the river, the middle section of the track has been diverted up the Walnut Track away from the river and returns via Puketea Ridge to follow the lower section to Forest Pools.
River crossings are necessary in many places and care must be taken in times of flood and high rainfall. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and sit out high river levels.
Suggested two day tramp: The tramp to Forest Pools begins from the Puketi Recreation Area and takes you to Camp Creek (the recommended camping site). Return upstream 500 metres to pick up the Walnut Track and carry on up Pirau Rd to take the Pukatea Ridge Route, which eventually runs back down to the Waipapa River Track again and emerges from the Forest at Forest Pools. It is a scenic tramp following the Waipapa River through the heart of Puketi Forest and passes through regenerating shrub land, podacarp hardwood forest, and mature kauri stands.
View the track location map
10,000 Steps Northland
This track equates to approximately 26,666 steps.
Getting there
The Puketi Kauri Forest is signposted from SH10 south of Kaeo and north of Waipapa. The Forest can also be reached from SH1, north of Okaihau. Please take care when you leave the State Highway as you will be travelling on unsealed roads.
You can access Waipapa River Track from the Puketi Recreation or Forest Pools Picnic Areas, as well as from the link tracks leading from the Pirau and Mokau Ridges.
Places to stay
Camp Creek is a flat clearing on the river side suitable for camping. No fires are allowed.
Plan and prepare
- The track is best walked in summer.
- Trampers are advised to carry a topographical map.
- There are numerous river crossings in the upper sections of the track. It demands a good standard of fitness and trampers should be prepared to get wet.
- Be aware that you are at risk of becoming hypothermic in winter.
- Do not attempt the Waipapa River Track during heavy rain.
- No dogs or fires due to risks to wildlife.
- Do not leave cars at Forest Pools over night due to the risk of theft.
- You may wish to boil water from the streams before drinking.
Location map
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