Whakapapa/Wairere off the beaten trackIntermediate

Description

Start in Whakapapa Village and make your way up the ridge track, found a few 100m up behind the visitors center on the left. It's a well formed track and then at the top of the hill a picnic bench.

From the picnic bench, there's some scrubby single track that meanders its way up the hill. Keep following until you are on the ridge crest and then continue up the ridge till you meet the big ring contour/spot height.

When you reach the high point weave your way and try to find a nice running line down to your left (east) some faint tracks exist through here. You'll reach a steep slope down to the Wairere river. It is steep and can be loose in places, but there are a good few weaknesses in the steep ground to scramble down, you may have you use your hands a few times.

Once at the river enjoy the beautiful formations of the gorge walls and beautiful clear water of the Wairere. From here there's a dry foot crossing most of the year round just below the pools and then you'll gain a single track path on the right (east or river right) side of the river. Follow this flowing track with small ups and downs to the Taranaki falls track.

You'll pop out right by the footbridge, a big step up for the small, and then hang a left and follow the track back to the village. Alternatively, you could take the lower track and see the stunning Taranaki falls. The lower track is a similar distance and has more shelter from the bush.

Features of interest

A neat loop to get you off the beaten track in the Tongariro national park. The Wairere stream has a great swimming hole and the valley is generally worth an explore further up if you have time. Beautiful mini gorges all the way out to the Taranaki falls loop track. Taranaki falls is worth a look too if you've not been to the area before.

Make Up of Run

Technical Single Track: 10%

Moderate Single Track: 50%

Easy Single Track: 40%

Route Data