This section can be divided into two parts: a bush track, and road-side walking past farmland.

Fenceline Car Park, Otaki Forks-South Mangaone Road  Car Park (14km- 6-7 hours)

South Mangaone Road Car Park  to Waikanae SH1 Bridge (11km-2.5hrs)

The first part of the Pukeatua Section climbs steadily through mixed forest with grass clearings that provide sweeping views of Otaki Forks and the Tararua Range. The highest point at Pukeatua (812m) is a good place to lunch. The track then descends down a series of bush clad ridges, passing through private land and pine plantation before joining a four wheel drive track and exiting at South Mangaone Road Car Park.

The area adjacent to the pine forest is private land covenanted with the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust to preserve native forest. Walkers are required to respect the protected area and stay on the marked track.

Track Notes:

Section 1, Pukeatua

The Pukeatua Track starts at the Fenceline Carpark (roadend) at Otaki Forks.(2km from Parawai Hut)

From the Department of Conservation Information sign, follow the Fenceline Loop Track for 700m to a marked junction to Pukeatua Track.

The Pukeatua track takes a sharp left uphill turn to a south west  ridge. The track is marked with DoC orange triangles or blue poles (1.5m).

Continue up hill for about 3 hours with a hard right turn just prior to exiting the bush before Pukeatua (812m) and a good lunch spot. The track skirts the scrubby tops on the eastern side to Pukeatua  Summit (pipe). From the summit the track follows the south side of a westerly ridge to a saddle and then northwest down a ridge to a broad ridge and intersection. Turn right at the fork, following the DoC markers and down to a stream. Walk upstream for 10m then left crossing the stream on to a four wheel drive track leading to a gate and metalled road.

Exit left and walk down the road, crossing the pedestrian bridge to the South Mangaone Road Car Park and track end.

Section 2, Roadside walk to Waikanae

From the car park continue down South Mangaone Road (5km) turn right into Ngatiawa Road (1km) and right into Reikiorangi Road (5km) leading to Waikanae Village.

After crossing the railway line and State Highway 1 turn left  and continue south on footpath.   Cross Te Moana Road (traffic lights) and proceed down SH1 to  the Waikanae River Bridge.