From the Russell Whakapara Rd, the track follows the ridgeline through beautiful bush on the Ngaiotonga Saddle. 2.5 km in, the first landmark is the 314m Te Ranga Trig with views of the Bay of Islands and Whangaruru Harbour. 200m further on, you pass a track heading down to private land on Waikare Rd.
7kms in, you pass a track heading to Papakauri Rd on the east side. From here you are walking on an old forestry road.
Approximately halfway, there is a wooden shelter with an open area where you can spend the night. This is near the Papakauri Stream which is a popular but wet route down to the Waikare settlement on the NE side.
Continue on the ridgeline until near the summit of Pukemoremore (390m). From here, the Russell Walkway turns SE & straight down through fern and open bush until meeting the Punaruku “Road”.
This ‘road’ is actually a rough 4WD track. Walk NE & through the forestry gate for 4kms to the junction with Russell Road.

Middle Track Amenity:

• Shelter

Note:
o Punaruku Rd may be unsigned but is 2.8km North of the Oakura Turnoff, on the west side of the road.
o Punaruku Rd is not driveable for very far. Official Russell Walkway is a 4 kms walk SW of junction of with Russell Rd.