From the junction of Omahuta and Jacksons Roads, head east on old forestry roads. 700m up Omahuta Forest Rd, take the left fork onto Kauri Sanctuary Rd. 3.5km up this road, there is the option of a southerly deviation to view the Kauri Sanctuary (& 500m down this side road is Apple Dam with a small campsite with water tank and toilets).
Otherwise, continue 1km further on & take the left fork onto Blackbridge Rd.
Where these roads peter out, follow markers across a logging skid site and down a NE ridge to meet up with the Mangapukahukahu Stream. As this runs through a gorge and could be subject to flash floods, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO GO FURTHER IF THERE’S HEAVY RAIN IN THE REGION.

As long as the weather is clear, walk SE mostly in the stream for 2.5 km until meeting up with the Waipapa River. Just south of the junction, you can cross at a shallow shoal and follow the Waipapa River NE for 2.5kms (some track on the E bank & in the river bed) to the junction with Pukatea Ridge Track. Near this junction is the most glorious deep pool for swimming!

Climb up this steepish track through young kauri for 3.5km to meet the Takapau Track. (Optional detour: see a huge kauri tree 500m south on the Takapau Track. Note: this track peters out and is no longer maintained).
 
From the junction of Pukatea Ridge & Takapau Tracks, head NE for 300m to meet the junction with Walnut Track & Pirau Ridge Road (forestry access road). Follow the grassy 4WD Pirau Ridge Road* east for 9 km to the Puketi Recreation Centre, Waiare Rd.

*Optional detour: Alternatively take the more scenic but 4.5 km longer & slower route, first down Walnut Track to reach Waipapa River again. (The Camp Creek freedom camp site is 15min west of junction between Walnut & Waipapa River Tracks). The Waipapa River Track criss-crosses the river (crossings are knee deep in dry summer), winding its way east to the Puketi Recreation Centre, Waiare Rd.

 This is a challenging, wet route. You need good equipment and navigation skills. Only go in dry weather.