10 October 2026
Fine spells. The odd shower, clearing this evening. Northerlies.
Loading outdoor place details…
KiwiTools
Search KiwiToolsFind tools, guides and categories in one place.
Loading photo
1 / 20Coromandel Forest Park
Maratoto: Old Wires Track
This well marked track gives lovely views across Maratoto and you can see remnants of the old telephone line.
Distance
11.25 km
Walking time
4 - 5 hours return
Difficulty
Advanced
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Coromandel Peninsula forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 4:55 pm
11 October 2026
Showers, possibly heavy, easing to the odd light shower by midday. Scattered rain developing late evening. Northwesterlies.
12 October 2026
Showers becoming isolated in the morning but remaining cloudy. Westerlies, turning northerly for a time in the morning and afternoon.
13 October 2026
Partly cloudy, with a few showers in the afternoon. Westerlies.
14 October 2026
A few showers clearing to fine in the afternoon. Northwesterlies.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Maratoto: Old Wires Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Maratoto: Old Wires Track
Old Wires Track is named after the old Maratoto telephone line, of which you'll see remnants along the way. The track is well signposted, although is steep in places, taking up to 3 hours to ascend. Although there is a stream to cross, at most times of the year this is only ankle deep, and those with good balance and the ability to pick out stable rocks, will be able to keep their feet dry. As you climb, the track opens to good views across Maratoto. To return to the carpark, go back the same way or loop back via Maratoto Track, which is a 4WD road. This generally takes less than two hours. For a longer walk, the track leads over the main range along the Maratoto - Wentworth Crossing which passes Wentworth Falls and emerges at Wentworth Valley Campground .
Kauri protection guide
Stop kauri disease and protect kauri Scrub all soil off shoes and gear. Use cleaning stations. Always stay on the track. How you can help save kauri
Getting there for Maratoto: Old Wires Track
Following SH26 south from Hikutaia, turn left onto Maratoto Road. After 6 km, turn left onto Wires Road. The start of the track is on Wires Road, 500 m before the gate and carpark, so you may want to drop others off at this point before parking the car further up the road. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping/field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Maratoto: Old Wires Track
No dogs.
Before you walk Maratoto: Old Wires Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.