Tuahu To Wairere Intermediate - Experienced
Submitted by Linda Downes
Front country - easily accessible
Point to Point (one way)
Very hilly
Native bushOpen ridges/tops
Intermediate - Experienced
Not Suitable (Slow)
9 (Moderate)
5 (Fast)
-9.2%
+8.9%
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Description
Being a point to point run, two cars will be needed; park one at Wairere Falls car park and drive 10 minutes to Tuahu Track (otherwise a drop-off and pickup will be required).
The track can be run in either direction; these instructions are from north to south.
There’s a nice flat start along gravel for about 1 km followed by a steep climb into the bush which is soon rewarded with a view of the Waikato and Killarney Lakes. There are a few obstacles to get over and around on Tuahu Track but the navigation is easy. Turn right (south) at the North/South Track junction.
It’s slow going along the ridgeline climbing narrow sections with some stairs and ladders but the view is spectacular! Motutapere Hut is a nice little stop. The track opens out into grassy areas near the Thompsons Track junction which are a little difficult to navigate (use the Topo Map app to stay on track).
After the Kauritatahi Hut Track junction the North/South Track descends toward the Katikati side of the Kaimai’s with a few river crossings which feels quite remote. There are two track exits out to Aongatete and the track is well used, open and nicely pruned in this section.
The track gradually climbs towards Wairere and is a bit overgrown with cutty grass. Turn right at the Wairere Falls junction, stop and take in the view at the top of the waterfall and then backtrack a minute to the Goodwin Road sign and head down the busy Wairere Falls track to the carpark.
Trail Community
Features of interest
Stunning Views on the ridge line of both side of the kamiai ranges. Wairere Waterfall at the end
Make Up of Run
Technical Single Track: 70%
Moderate Single Track: 20%
Easy Single Track: 5%
Gravel Road: 5%
Route Data
Reviews:
Photos:
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Access
Between Te Aroha and Matamata there is a small settlement called Manawaru. You need to turn on to Shaftsbury Rd, which then turns into Thompsons Road. There is a sign that says 'Thompsons Track' on the turn-off in Manawaru.
At the end of Thompsons road turn left onto Wairakau Road, about 1km up this gravel road on the right is a small grassy parking area, and a shoe disinfectant station and a sign.
Enough parking for 5-7 vehicles, very quiet area.
You'll finish at Wairere car park where there is ample parking.
11 km
11 minutes
No
No
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Staying Safe
Moderate.
Nav was moderate for most of the run. hard in couple of places. follow the signs and follow the doc triangles. have Topo maps app on your mobile or atleast printed out and on you at all times.
Mobile coverage is fantastic on the ridge line and non-existent through the Valleys heading toward AongatetePatchy.
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, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Gaiters.
Lots of streams and rivers. We drank out of the bigger rivers.
Wouldn't recommend doing this in winter or bad weather.
There are places where its muddy and the ridge line would be just too dangerous in windy/wet weather
The North/South track is an expert rated tramping track. back-country and nav skills are needed. There are plenty of hazards and obstacles that you would expect in a remote bush setting. Fallen Trees, Steep buffs, Steep ladders, River crossings, Cutty grass, Unpredictable weather, Steep Decents & ascents
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