Papatahi Crossing

This track is described from the Catchpool car park to Western Lake Road.

Start from the Catchpool car park along the Ōrongorongo Track or from Sunny Grove in Wainuiomata along the Whakanui Track.

Leave the Ōrongorongo River at North Boulder Creek and climb up the spur to the top of Papatahi. Descend to the Wharepapa River, and cross the river to get to Wharepapa Hut. Follow the track, crossing Battery Stream and out to Western Lake Road.

The last part of the track crosses private land. The private land is around 2.5 km long and is around 4.5 km from Wharepapa Hut. If walking from Western Lake Road the private land starts at Western Lake Road.

It's a very full day from the Catchpool car park for fit parties. Most parties should stay overnight at or near Papatahi Hut on the Ōrongorongo River.

Papatahi Hut

On the private land on this track, landowner permission is required to take firearms or dogs across the private land.