Into Cascade, Waikato, New Zealand - Trail Running Directory

Into Cascade

Hinemaiaia Track

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Last Updated: 5th Nov 2025

Intermediate

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Grunt Factor: 28 ?

Gnarl Factor: 79 ?

11.7km

Length of run

810m

Total Ascent

760m

Total Descent

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Point to Point (one way)

Very hilly

With permit

Native bush

Riverside

Run Makeup

20%

80%

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +14.20%

Average Downhill Gradient: -13.40%

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Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

3:00

Slow

2:15

Moderate

1:30

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

Starting at the Clements Roadend campsite, there's just one track to follow, which takes you up and over and into Cascase Hut.

The first three-ish km are fairly easy going, following the river before you start a solid climb up. Grab some water from the streams before you start the climb, as there's none until you're back down the other side.

Once at the high point (1240 on the topo), it's an undulating couple of kilometres until you start the steep descent down to the river, where you then enjoy a beautiful track that follows the river into Cascase Hut.

Keep an eye out for Sika Deer and Whio. This is a great one for an overnighter in the hut, or a fairly tough out-and-back.

Top tip: there's a stunning swimming hole upstream (south arm) from the hut.

Be mindful of the rivers - they are big and can become impossible to cross after significant rain. Also, do not attempt in high wind as there may be branch and tree fall across the top.

Long drops at the roadend and at Cascade Hut.

Transport and parking:

Drive to the very end of Clements Road. 4WD is not necessary, but ground clearance on your car is - it's rutted out in a few places.

Distance from Taupo:

55 km

Driving time from Taupo:

60 minutes

Dog friendly:

With Permit

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Moderate.

Cellphone Coverage:

Non-existent.

Suggested Gear List:

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Compass, Map

Availability of Water:

Plenty of streams and rivers at either end, but none once you start climbing. It's recommended to filter the stream water.

Seasonality Issues:

Expect snow across the Maungaorangi tops in winter. Strong winds would make it dangerous in some areas due to tree falls, and heavy rain would make rivers impassable.

Hazards:

Be mindful of the rivers—they are large and can become impassable after significant rain. Also, do not attempt in high wind as there may be tree fall across the top.

Trail Legend

Rob Bathgate

has completed Into Cascade once in the last year.

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Overlapping Trails

These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.