Te U Route
Alerts
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
Te U Route travels from the Waiotahi Valley Road end to Te U Bivvy (staff accommodation) in the Waioweka Conservation Area.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Description
From Waiotahi Valley Road end follow the Waiotahi River which has numerous benched sections all the way up to a fork where the route leaves the river and heads up a spur. Follow the well marked spur up and over the saddle into the Kaharoa Stream. Follow the Kaharoa downstream to Te U Bivvy on the true left.
Note: At 2013, NZTopo50 BF40 Matahi map shows the ridge section incorrectly.
Getting there
From Opotiki, follow SH2 west. After approx. 15 km, turn left onto Toone Rd, then after approx. 2 km right onto Waiotahi Valley Rd. Follow Waiotahi Valley Road to the end - approx. 17 km.
Know before you go
The route is suitable for fit trampers with good navigational skills and backcountry experience.
Check river levels and weather before you go as rivers can rise rapidly.
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track