Last Updated: 2nd Sep 2024
Running Late to Boyd International
Poronui to Boyd Lodge
Boyd, Oamaru hut tracks
Submitted by Hamon McKay
Last Updated: 2nd Sep 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 45 ?
Gnarl Factor: 43 ?
27.7km
790m
470m
Last Updated: 2nd Sep 2024
Boyd, Oamaru hut tracks
Submitted by Hamon McKay
Last Updated: 2nd Sep 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 45 ?
Gnarl Factor: 43 ?
27.7km
790m
470m
Back country - remote
Point to Point (one way)
Undulating, some big hills
With permit
Native bush
Riverside
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Gravel Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +7.7%
Average Downhill Gradient: -4.5%
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6:00
Slow
5:00
Moderate
4
Fast
Follow the poled route through Poronui Station. From near the Mohaka River a new track links from the end of the poled route to Oamaru Hut via an unbridged crossing of the Kaipō River. This can be dicey after a decent rain. Oamaru hut is roughly 12km in.
From Oamaru Hut the track follows the true left bank of the Oamaru River before crossing the headwaters and following the Waitawhero Stream, with a good climb up to Waitawhero saddle. At this point, the track emerges at the forest edge of the upper Ngaruroro. Across the valley the Boyd airstrip can be seen. Boyd Hut is obscured by beech forest behind the airstrip.
Drop down into the valley, and cross the Ngaruroro before one last little grunt up to the hut and Boyd International.
The two river crossings can get nasty after a good rain. They have a very large catchment area.
Suitable as an over-nighter or big day out and back.
Oamaru Hut - 12 bunks. Boyd Hut - 16 Bunks. Beautiful beech forest. For an even better view, head out behind Boyd hut past the water tanks. There is a track that heads up above the bush line to the Boyd Rocks. It is a steep climb, but worth it for the magnificent panorama over the whole Kaimanawa Forest Park.
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.
A 40min drive from Taupo. Take SH5 before turning on to Taharua Rd after 20mins. Parking is at the designated parking area adjacent to the Helisika Hanger carpark at the end of Taharua Road.
9 km
19 minutes
With Permit
No
Moderate.
Poled route, generally easy to follow. Could be a bit tricky at night.
Non-existent.
Thermal leggings, Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries
Water from streams and huts. First water is approx. 10km in.
Higher, colder rivers in winter. Track is generally in decent condition. Think about keeping your feet dry.
After rainfall, don't attempt dirty river crossings
Burger Fuel
Taupo
https://www.burgerfuel.com/nz
Full calorie refuel
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