10 October 2026
Cloud about the tops, and the odd shower.
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1 / 2Ōtaki Forks area
Waiotauru Track to historic mill
This easy track near Ōtaki Forks takes you to a historic mill site.
Distance
3 km
Walking time
40 min return
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
Allowed — check local rules
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Predator control Tararua Forest Park
Predator control Tararua Forest Park
Weather outlook
Tararua Forest Park forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 9:23 pm
11 October 2026
Showers, clearing in the afternoon, but cloud and drizzle remaining about western slopes.
12 October 2026
Fine, apart from morning drizzle. A few showers at night.
13 October 2026
Showers, some possibly heavy.
14 October 2026
Showers clearing.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Waiotauru Track to historic mill on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Waiotauru Track to historic mill
This short, out and back walk begins from Fenceline Track car park, continue along the gravel road before entering the bush. Although it's an easy gradient, the track crosses several active slips so care is needed. The track leads to a historic mill site - one of the best examples of New Zealand’s early timber industry sites. From the mill site, the track continues to Waiotauru Hut, crossing more active slips. Care is required.
Getting there for Waiotauru Track to historic mill
Ōtaki Forks is 19 km inland from Ōtaki township – approximately 1 hr 30 min drive from Wellington or Palmerston North. The easiest turnoff from SH1 is at Ōtaki Gorge Road, just south of the SH1 bridge over the Ōtaki River. Use this location on 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 Waiotauru Track to historic mill
Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.
Before you walk Waiotauru Track to historic mill
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.