10 October 2026
Fine spells. The odd shower, clearing this evening. Northerlies.
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Coromandel Forest Park
Walk from Whangaiterenga Campsite to Karaka Track.
Distance
9.5 km
Walking time
5 hr
Difficulty
Intermediate
Dogs
On-lead only
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Weather outlook
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 4:55 pm
10 October 2026
Fine spells. The odd shower, clearing this evening. Northerlies.
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
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
The track starts from Whangaiterenga Campsite in Kauaeranga Valley, the track climbs steadily to the junction with Karaka Track (also known as Orange Peel Corner). Along the way, you'll cross Whangaiterenga Stream three times, so be prepared for wet feet. From Orange Peel Corner, turn right to continue climbing along Karaka Track up to Crosbies Hut. Either return the way you came, or after arranging tansport from each end, you could link up with Karaka Track , Waiomu Track or Te Puru Track for a rewarding overnight journey through the native Coromandel Forest.
The track has three stream crossings, so expect to have wet feet. Do not attempt a to cross the stream during or after heavy rain. Check with the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre if there has been heavy rain. The track also gets quite muddy in places.
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
Whangaiterenga campsite is situated in the Kauaeranga valley, about 5km past the Visitor Centre. It is possible to book online, or directly at the Visitor Centre. Crosbies Hut is a serviced 10 bunk hut which requires booking online. It was built in 2010 and offers panoramic views of the Coromandel Main Range - north towards Maumaupaki and Mercury Bay and from the Firth of Thames in the west to Table Mountain and the Upper Kauaeranga Valley in the east. The lights of Whitianga are visible at night.
Follow the Kauaeranga Valley Rd from Thames for 14 km to the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre. Whangaiterenga is 5 km north of the visitor centre, second campsite on the left past the visitor centre (and 2 km north of Hotoritori campsite). Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
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 .
Dogs on a leash only.
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.