Programme Overview

Hapuakohe Walkway partial closure: Hapuakohe Walkway is closed at the northern end until January 2025. This is due to a forestry operation on the section of the track that passes through private land. The conservation area is still accessible from the Matahuru Road entrance but there is no entry or exit available at the northern entrance (North Road). The Hapuakohe Walkway (23km one way) can be done as a 2-day trek, split by Ohinewai Road. Smaller sections can be completed within a day. It is suitable for experienced trampers only. The track traverses the length of the Hapuakohe Range. This is intersected by Ohinewai Road, which separates the northern and southern sections of the walkway. You will need to arrange a drop off or pick up from Ohinewai Road, depending on where you are planning to start and finish. There is no safe, established parking on the road.

Hapuakohe Northern Walkway (North Rd to Ohinewai Rd - 8 hr, 13.3km)- The northern section of the track is located at the end of North Rd off State Highway 27. There is parking here. The track begins at a gate where there is a DOC sign. Follow the orange DOC marker posts across private land. The track leaves the farm road and climbs steeply through a pine plantation to the bush edge.

Once in the bush, the track is well marked. There are two lookout points along the walkway: 1st lookout (1 hour 30 minutes): 300 m above sea level the track leaves the bush onto a grassy clearing 2nd lookout (3 hours): 400 m above sea level, with views which extend to the Huntly power station, Mt Te Aroha and the Hauraki Plains.

The bush is comprised mostly of kohekohe and large puriri. If starting at North Road, you will need to arrange a pick-up for when you finish this section at Ohinewai Road.

Hapuakohe Southern Walkway (Ohinewai Rd to Mangapiko Valley Rd - 6 hr, 9.7km) - You will need to be dropped off as there is no space for parking on the roadside. Beginning on the south side of Ohinewai Rd the track starts with a steep descent to a small stream. Across the stream, the steep climb to the trig begins, ascending through regenerating bush of akeake, rewarewa, heketara, rimu, totara and manuka. There is an exceptional view from the trig. The track sidles along a ridge to Pukeitionga Station (488 m), before descending to the Mangapiko Valley Scenic Reserve. As this section of the track crosses private land, you must stick to the marked route. Here, the bush canopy is predominantly tawa, kohekohe, pigeon wood and pukatea. You will need to arrange transport from the road end. There is limited room for parking at the end of Mangapiko Valley Road, in the paddock. Close the gate after you go through it. Ensure your shoes are clean before coming to reduce the chance of kauri dieback disease being spread. Thoroughly clean your shoes when you get home.