Hauhangaroa Happiness - Southern end

Te Araroa trail used to pass through Hauhangaroa traverse so it is not a well beaten/maintained trail, but it is an absolutely amazing ancient forest, goblin forests, towering trees and a true adventure.

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.

Organising someone to drop off to the start is recommended as there is not really any parking options on Mangakahu Valley Road. For the end you could organise someone to pick up at SH32 Waihāhā track entrance. OR park one vehicle at the Great Lake trail car park which is on the other side of the bridge where the Waihāhā track finishes (easiest option).

19 km

39 minutes

With Permit

No

Hard.

As this is a back country remote trail, it can be affected by windfall. Recently (January 2024) there has been some additional ribbons put around most windfall sections that are easy to navigate around, However be prepared to encounter more sections affected, please take care as it is very easy to loose the track. I recommend that you have maps such as Topo maps to use a guide.

Patchy.

Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Gaiters

There is water at Hauhangaroa Hut and also once you reach the river, there are a few small clear looking streams. Drink at your own risk or take water tabs/filter.

During winter expect very cold windy conditions on the ridgeline and plenty of mud. The rivers may also be high after heavy rains

Tree roots, ridgelines, windfall (loosing track), steep gullies, rivers if in flood.