Waingawa River Track (Mitre Flats to Cow Creek)

From Mitre Flats Hut , the track heads upstream across Mitre Flats, following the Waingawa River on the true right. The trail passes through manuka and bush, with the wet-weather trail rising away from the river after about 30 minutes. In fine weather, the riverbed can be followed all the way to Cow Creek Hut, which may be about 30 minutes shorter than the track. However, if conditions are wet, the track sidles above the river, and the wet-weather trail climbs steeply, crossing an eroded gully, Peggy Stream (30 minutes), and North Mitre Stream (20 minutes). After another 40 minutes, it drops close to the river, about 20 minutes below Cow Creek Hut . This is a rough backcountry track, with mud, tree roots, and occasional fallen trees to navigate. While there are no crossings of the Waingawa River, multiple unbridged side streams must be crossed, including Peggy and North Mitre Streams, which can be challenging and dangerous during or after heavy rain. If water levels are high, wait for the river to drop before attempting a crossing.

This track can be started at Cow Creek Hut or Mitre Flats Hut.

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 . Level up in your outdoor knowledge with these interactive 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 .

Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.