Tuahu Track
Alerts
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Forecast point: Waitawheta Hut (380m) · 7.8km away
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.
This is an east-west crossing of the Kaimai Ranges used since the 1890s linking Katikati and Te Aroha. It can be walked in either direction.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Description
Start at the end of Hot Springs Road, off SH2 and follow the marked track. A ten minute detour will take you to the Tuahu Kauri, a mature stand of kauri trees. The Tuahu Track continues up for 15 mins to cross the Te Rereatukahia Stream before climbing on moderate grade, sidling in and out of gullies for a further hour before meeting the North South Track at the summit.
Past the sumit the track sidles around the steep western escarpment of the Kaimai Range offering many views over the Waikato. Also visible are the Killarney Lakes below.
The track descends gradually until it meets the Waihou Valley Pine Forest, leaving the Forest Park. The track leaves the bridle track and follows access roads through private forestry for one hour to Wairakau Road.
Getting there
Located within the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park, this track begins at the end of Hot Springs Road, just south of Katikati off SH2.
Know before you go
Consult a topographic map.
There is a river crossing on this track.
No mountain biking
Mountain biking is not allowed on this track.
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track