Waihohonu Springs RevolutionIntermediate - Experienced

Description

Please note, you should not simply rely on the GPX trace for this run. Most of the route is on formed and marked tracks that are easily navigated, but there is a substantial section that is unmarked, remote, and rough and requires navigation skills. Have the GPX for reference but you should be capable of reading and following a topo map.

Follow the trail to the vicinity of the Waihohonu Hut and then to the north on the Waihohonu-Oturere track that is part of the Northern Circuit.

Eventually this will top out on the ridgeline extending down from Tama, north-east of pt1268. This is the point just before the trail descends into trees.

Leave the marked trail to follow the ridgeline to the north-east in the direction of Tama. You will pass over one prominent knob before progressing along the ridgeline to a lower one with a large boulder standing in front of you (see photos).

At this point take a right to follow the scree slope below the ridgeline directly down. As the treeline approaches, plunge straight in. The GPX trace goes back and forward in search of an optimum path, but the best approach is a direct one. If you are lucky you may find some clearer ground for some trail as you go but there is largely a bit of bushwhacking here until you descend below the trees. An alternative route that appears likely is to instead stay above the tree line and follow it towards the north-east, dropping lower as the trees clear. However, that path is untested.

Having descended below the bush you will continue up the Waihohonu valley to the north-east, parallel to the ridgeline above. Do not rely on the GPX here - there is rocky ground, bushes, and swampy sections to self-navigate. The temptation in searching for the spring head is to drift down towards the river but generally, it is better to remain higher on the rocks.

Note that the NZ topo map incorrectly marks the spring head, as it is further up the valley. As it comes in sight set your bearing on the small hill rising in the valley, pt1212, as the spring head is at the base of this hill.

Having reached the spring head, return by angling up and along the Tama ridgeline then enjoy the ramble down it back to the marked track and back in the direction of Waihohonu Hut.

Passing the hut head south on the Round the Mountain Track to Ohinepango Springs. Crossing the bridge over the stream, take the right to follow the streamside path to the spring.

Then retrace your steps to the Waihohonu Hut and then back to the trailhead.

Features of interest

This route goes off the usual marked Tongariro trails to take in the remote and unique Waihohonu Springs spring head, as well as the more frequented Ohinepango Springs.

Make Up of Run

Untracked / Route only: 25%

Moderate Single Track: 5%

Easy Single Track: 70%

Route Data