Whakanui

Wainuiomata, Wellington, New Zealand

Bush walk in the Orongorongo range

Intermediate

Foot

This is a popular easy day walk for trampers from Hine Rd or Sunny Grove in Homedale (on the coast road just south of Wainuiomata) to the Orongorongo River Catchpool recreation area. This track is better maintained and easier to walk than the McKerrow track.

From the carpark at the end of Hine Rd the track starts a slow, steady climb uphill from about 100 m to 550 metres. The track initially follows Sunny Grove, and you can also begin the walk at the end of Sunny Grove. After about 3 km you reach 550 metres and the "hairpin bend". There is a sign here, go left for Whakanui track and right for the McKerrow track. The Whakanui track follows the ridge line at around 560 metres. The ridgeline is in the middle of the Orongorongo's, and has pretty bush outlook each side. The track is in good condition. In the last 2 km the track descends quickly from the ridgeline to the Orongorongo river beside a small creek. If you are doing the Mt Matthews track then you cross the river (often a trickle) and the Matthews track is marked on the far side with an orange triangle about 200 metres upstream.

The sign at Hine Rd says 4 hours - allow at least 3 hours to walk one way from Hine Rd to the Orongorongo River. The highest point on the track is about 640 metres, the ridgeline around 560 metres.

View back to Wainui from Whakanui track

Orongorongo river near Whakanui track entrance

Park in the carpark at the end of Hine Rd and follow the large sign beside the carpark. Alternatively, park in the top carpark at Catchpool recreation area and walk up the Big Bend track to the start of the Whakanui track beside the Orongorongo river.

This is a Kiwi area - dogs are not welcome. Keep them on a leash, or preferably leave them at home. Sometimes Kiwis do wander around during the day and dogs like eating them. There are at least 14 pairs of Brown Kiwi in the area.

9.42km

Double track

589m 472m 51m 168m

11 Jan 2012 by robnzh

ledzep