10 October 2026
Cloudy periods. The odd shower from afternoon, mainly about the ranges. Northerlies developing early afternoon.
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1 / 8Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park
North-South Track
This is a multi-day tramp using rugged routes suitable for expert backcountry trampers only. Trampers will need to camp in addition to staying in huts.
Distance
75.3 km
Walking time
5 - 7 days
Difficulty
Expert
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Wairere Falls Track closed
Northern Kaimai track closures
Crown Tramway Track partial closure
Weather outlook
Bay of Plenty forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 10:55 am
11 October 2026
Mostly cloudy with isolated showers, becoming widespread and heavier for a time in the morning and afternoon. Northerlies developing for a time in the morning and afternoon.
12 October 2026
A few showers. Northwesterlies developing for a time in the afternoon.
13 October 2026
Partly cloudy, with isolated showers clearing in the evening. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
14 October 2026
Mostly cloudy with a few showers developing in the morning. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
North-South Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About North-South Track
Time required : 5 - 7 days The North-South Track takes at least five days of serious tramping. The walk can be shortened by entering or exiting the Forest Park at a side track. This tramp involves many river crossings, steep and technical terrain, and includes remote areas which are challenging to maintain and may involve navigating around landslides and fallen trees. The recommended North-South track is via Waitawheta Hut, and the Waitawheta and Wharawhara valleys. There are some huts that can be used during this tramp but camping is also necessary along the way Example itinerary The following itinerary, over seven days, is a guide: Day 1 – Karangahake Gorge (SH2) to Daly’s Clearing Hut Day 2 – Dalys Clearing Hut to Waitawheta Hut Day 3 – Waitawheta Hut to Te Rereatukahia Hut Day 4 – Te Rereatukahia Hut to Poupou Stream Day 5 – Poupou Stream to Te Whare Okioki Day 6 – Te Whare Okioki to Hurunui Hut or Kaimai Summit (SH29) Day 7 – (optional) Hurunui Hut to Kaimai Summit (SH29)
Essential information for North-South Track
While parts of the tack are well maintained and are in frequent use, more than half of the track is poorly maintained and very poorly marked. Some of the track signage is also misleading and inconsistent. Access to GPS mapping technology is recommended. The old North-South track along the crest of the main range from Mount Te Aroha through Pahiko and Wahine Rock is an unmaintained route, extremely muddy, and often overgrown. It is suitable for expert backcountry trampers only. You must be well prepared when tramping. Ensure you have a tent, sleeping bag, topographic map, torch, strong boots, warm clothing, a good raincoat, first aid kit, ample food and drink, a hat, and sunscreen. Do not rely on mobile coverage, which is intermittent. There is a river crossing on this track, do not cross when river levels are high.
Kauri protection guide
Clean your footwear, tyres and equipment before and after visiting our kauri forests. If you are walking your dog, you should also make sure you clean their paws. Use cleaning stations every time you pass one while you are walking in a park. Stay on the tracks and keep off kauri roots. Stay away from closed tracks. Don't remove soil from, or bring soil into, areas with kauri trees.
Huts and campsites
Dickey Flat campsite Daly’s Clearing Hut Waitawheta Hut Wairoa Shelter Te Rereatukahia Hut Motutapere Hut Poupou Stream (expedition campsite) Te Whare Okioki (still marked as Ngamuwahine Shelter on most maps) Hurunui Hut Note: Kauritatahi Hut is well off the main track and accessed by difficult routes. It is better to skip this hut and plan to camp near Thompson’s Track junction, at Poupou Stream, along the Aongatete River, or north of Wairere Falls Track junction. In 2019, Ngamuwahine Shelter was replaced by Te Whare Okioki, providing a better alternative to Mangamuka Hut.
Getting there for North-South Track
The track starts from Karangahake Gorge, off SH2 at Karangahake. The track exits on to SH29 at the Kaimai Summit. 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 North-South Track
No dogs.
Before you walk North-South 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.