Walking this section
Introduction
Te Araroa trail section: Climb steadily through mixed forest with grass clearings that provide sweeping views of Ōtaki Forks and the Tararua Range. The highest point is at Pukeatua (812m). The track then descends back down towards the Waikanae River.
Pukeatua - 14km / 6-7 hours
From the Department of Conservation information sign, follow the Fenceline Loop Track for 700m to a marked junction to Pukeatua Track.
The track takes a sharp left uphill turn to a south-west ridge. It is marked with the Department of Conservation orange triangles.
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. 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. The area adjacent to the pine forest is private land covenanted with the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust to preserve the native forest. Walkers are required to respect the protected area and stay on the marked track. Recent logging of the pine forest has damaged the track, and the trail marking is unclear. Follow the bulldozed logging road which is steep at times, so take care.
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 gravel road.
Exit left and walk down the road, crossing the pedestrian bridge to the South Mangaone Road Car Park and track end.
Mangaone Road to Waikanae River - 11km
From the car park continue down South Mangaone Road (5km) turn right into Ngātiawa 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 Waikenae's Main Road turn left and proceed south on the footpath. Cross Te Moana Road (traffic lights) and down Main Road / Old State Hwy 1 to just before the Waikanae River road bridge. Turn right onto the track down river on the true right bank (north)
Getting there
Track conditions
Potential hazards
- Vehicles on road or track
- Poisons and traps
- Forestry operations
- Small stream crossings
- Track exposed to sun, wind or cold
- Weather extremes
- Few water sources. Only at start and finish
Tararua Range (Waitewaewae Hut) weather - NIWA
Leave gates as you find them.
Dogs on a leash only.
Accommodation
Waikanae - en route
- El Rancho Holiday Park - 58 Weggery Drive, Waikanae Beach. - P: 04 902 6287. Situated between new motorway and beach, can be reached from the river for those north-bound.
- Kāpiti Gateway Motel - 114 Main Rd, Waikanae - P: 04 902 5876 - E: info@kapitigateway.co.nz
- Ariki Lodge Motel - 4 Omahi St, Waikanae - P: 04 293 6072 - E: info@arikilodgemotel.co.nz
- Country Patch B&B - 18 Kea St, Waikanae - P: 04 293 5165 - E: stay@countrypatch.co.nz -
- Birdsong Cabin (B&B) - Wīnāra Avenue, Kapiti Coast, Wellington P: 022 691 2255
- Riverstone B&B - 111 Ngatiawa Road, Waikanae - P: 06 44 293 1936 / E: eppie@ riverstone.co.nz
Waikanae - en route Trail Hosts
- Ruth Carter offers camping at their house immediately adjacent to the DOC carpark at the end of Mangaone South Rd - contact her in advance on theoldemill@gmail.com
- Missy Sinai - P: 027 655 7012 - offers a shower and place to rest up near the end of the Mangaone South track.
Food and supplies
Waikanae
- New World Supermarket - 5 Parata St, Waikanae - P: 04 293 3400
- Woolworths Supermarket - Ngaio Rd, Waikanae - P: 04 293 5532