From the Pakiri Camp Ground, follow Pakiri River Rd for 3 km to the intersection with Pakiri Rd. Cross over and continue south on Bathgate Rd, past the school and several houses.

Beyond the southern end of Bathgate Rd, go down what looks like a driveway to the Te Araroa sign. Follow the orange track markers leading up a ridgeline through steep farm pasture for 2.5 km to a farm track near the end of Rodney Rd. This climb offers fantastic views up the coast.
The track now turns west then south again through more farmland (farm tracks can be muddy in winter) and pine plantation before climbing into covenanted/DoC native bush. At the summit, there is a helicopter platform which makes a good spot to rest a while.

Continuing on, this rough & occasionally slippery track soon descends steeply down a southerly ridge and through attractive native bush before coming out on lush pasture above a very picturesque valley. It is then a short walk down to the carpark.