10 October 2026
Partly cloudy with the chance of a shower. Light winds.
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1 / 18Remutaka Forest Park
Whakanui Track
This track leads from Wainuiomata to the Ōrongorongo River and offers views of the Remutaka Range and surrounding areas.
Distance
8.54 km
Walking time
7 hrs to Wainuiomata
Difficulty
Advanced
Dogs
On-lead only
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Ungulate control for parts of Remutaka Forest Park
Ōrongorongo Track reroute
Ōrongorongo Track reroute
Ungulate control for parts of Remutaka Forest Park
Ōrongorongo Track reroute
Ōrongorongo Track reroute
Weather outlook
Wellington forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 4:55 pm
11 October 2026
Showers, clearing to fine spells early afternoon, then clouding over towards evening with drizzle on the ranges. Northerlies.
12 October 2026
Mainly fine, isolated showers at night. Northerlies.
13 October 2026
Occasional rain. Northwesterlies.
14 October 2026
Rain becoming persistent in the morning. Northwesterlies.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Whakanui Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Whakanui Track
Time required: 7 hours one way The Whakanui Track takes you from Wainuiomata through to the Orongorongo River in the Remutaka Forest Park. It can be walked as a return trip, or connected with the Big Bend Track or Mt McKerrow Track finishing at Catchpool carpark, or with Papatahi Crossing to finish in the Wairarapa. The track begins on the true right side of Whakanui Creek and climbs to the long, flat ridge separating Whakanui Creek from Turere Stream, before descending to Hine Road/Sunny Grove in Wainuiomata. The track passes through podocarp/broadleaf forest for most of its length. There are good views of the main Remutaka Range from the higher parts of the track (around 700 metres).
Huts and campsites
There are several huts in the Orongorongo catchment.
Getting there for Whakanui Track
The track starts at the end of Sunny Grove, off Hine Road. Hine Road is the last road on the left as you head out of Wainuiomata towards the coast. 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 Whakanui Track
Dogs on a leash only.
Before you walk Whakanui 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.