Pukeatua - 14km / 6-7hr
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 is at Pukeatua (812m). The track then descends back down towards the Waikanae River.
The Track
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, and later with 1.5m blue poles.
Continue up-hill for about 3hr 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. 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 (large orange triangles) following the DOC markers and down towards the covenanted land section and pine forest (where blue poles now mark the route). 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.
On reaching the stream go upstream for just 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.
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.
If continuing on the next section (Kapiti Coast) after crossing the railway line and SH1 turn left and proceed south on footpath. Cross Te Moana Road (traffic lights) and down SH1 to the Waikanae River road bridge.