Last Updated: 6th Apr 2024
Tuahu To Wairere
Last Updated: 6th Apr 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 60 ?
Gnarl Factor: 67 ?
36.0km
1450m
1450m
608m
Last Updated: 6th Apr 2024
Last Updated: 6th Apr 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 60 ?
Gnarl Factor: 67 ?
36.0km
1450m
1450m
608m
Front country - easily accessible
Point to Point (one way)
Very hilly
With permit
Native bush
Open ridges/tops
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +8.9%
Average Downhill Gradient: -9.2%
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Not suitable
Slow
9:00
Moderate
5
Fast
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.
Stunning Views on the ridge line of both side of the kamiai ranges. Wairere Waterfall at the end
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
With Permit
No
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 Aongatete
Patchy.
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
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Tuahu To Wairere
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Great adventure, through what most say is the best section of Kaimai Nth Sth track. I ran it from Waiwere North, as the 2nd of 3 one day runs to do full length of Nth Sth track. Once up Waiwere the next 20km thoroughly enjoyable with lots of very runnable at pass sections. Next 10km tough & technical but stunning views to both sides of range. I found enough good water sources even though it's been pretty dry.
March 19, 2022
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