Last Updated: 6th Jan 2024
Whakaumu Track
Submitted by jim robinson
Last Updated: 6th Jan 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 22 ?
Gnarl Factor: 36 ?
12.0km
200m
200m
300m
Last Updated: 6th Jan 2024
Submitted by jim robinson
Last Updated: 6th Jan 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 22 ?
Gnarl Factor: 36 ?
12.0km
200m
200m
300m
Back country - remote
Out and Back
Undulating, small hills only
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +13.1%
Average Downhill Gradient: -13.1%
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2:00
Slow
1:30
Moderate
1:00
Fast
This is an out-and-back on a track that volunteers are reopening. Eventually we hope for a through track, but please, DO NOT go through to Tirohanga Rd at the moment. The track is 140 years old, very well graded, twisting. There is good singletrack for 4km, then another 2km that is more technical with three small creek crossings. You are in forest the whole time, but get glimpses of views.
You can park at the signed area, as described above. Or for a long run, park at Waiaua church/marae, and run Gaskill and Taheke Rd (Block Access) first, then the track. This is a total of about 26km return.
THE TRACK IS RELATIVELY STRAIGHTFORWARD AS WE ARE OPENING IT FOR SHARED BIKE USE. BUT BUT BUT! ... THIS IS REAL BACKCOUNTRY. YOU MUST BE PREPARED. A PLB IS STRONGLY ADVISED (you can hire PLBs from $15 from Opotiki i-SITE).
email jim@motutrails.co.nz for info. Ask in Opotiki i-SITE for a general trail map.
Stunning forest (rimu, rata, puriri, beech, kanuka etc), massive nikau palms, numerous small waterfalls/streams, weka, NI robin
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
Parking area is only enough for about 6 cars. Safety has been OK for people working on the track.
Dogs are allowed on the track, people hunt there. However it is a kiwi/weka area, and there are birds like NI robin. Please ensure dogs are kiwi aversion trained.
The open part of the track is a council paper road and in DOC estate: Waiaua Scenic Reserve.
CAUTION: TAHEKE RD (BLOCK ACCESS RD) MAY HAVE FORESTRY TRAFFIC, EXCEPT SUNDAY. IT IS AN OPOTIKI COUNCIL ROAD, INCLUDING PAST THE GATE TO THE TRACK START: YOU ARE ALLOWED TO BE THERE.
19 km
23 minutes
Yes
No
Moderate.
Once on Taheke Rd (Block Access) the only real place you can go wrong is from the forestry gate. It is signed, so keep your eyes open. About 50m past the gate, DO NOT go straight ahead or left, GO RIGHT.
Non-existent.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Beautiful water from multiple streams.
The hills here catch the mist and drizzle. It's often mild/dry on the coast and several degrees cooler, and damp, on Whakaumu Track.
Some steep drop-offs to the side of the track. Care with stream crossings, though these are small. Just remember, you will quite likely see no-one else, be prepared.
Please, the track is being cleared by VOLUNTEERS on a mission. We have put in over 2500 hours so far. If you see a branch or nikau frond over the track, please toss it off, don't just run past! If you want to join a track work session, contact jim@motutrails.co.nz
Hot Bread Shop
Opotiki
http://www.motutrails.co.nz
The Hot Bread Shop serves good food. They are open long hours. Most of all, they are official partners of Motu Trails Charitable Trust. That support helps us to do stuff like open up Whakaumu Track. Support them to support us!
Tirohanga Beach Motor Camp
Tirohanga
http://www.motutrails.co.nz
Super nice place to stay, and, as above, official partners.
Eastland Pacific Motel
Opotiki
http://www.motutrails.co.nz
Super nice place to stay, and, as above, official partners. Just over the road from the Hot Bread Shop... mmmmmmm
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Track starts out well but starts getting overgrown from 3km. After the 4km bike termination point, it rapidly deteriorates into a tramping track. Lots of debris and fallen trees make this mostly un-runnable. Backcountry, indeed. :-)
May 22, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this track - very pretty. Is a little overgrown at the moment and there is some tree fell in a couple of places, so be prepared to go under or over! We turned around at the 4k turn around point, as the first of the river crossings proved to be too steep for my dodgy back and we had already burnt quite a bit of time going over and under trees. Also, if your dog does meet all the doggy criteria mentioned above, please be advised the first section of track has pressure plate traps set on the side of the track in full view, so take care they don't step on one....
July 27, 2020
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