Koranga Tawa Loop Track
WalkGisborne
- Grade
- Advanced
- Walking time
- 3 days
- Dogs
- DOC permit only
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzHalfway between Opotiki and Gisborne on SH2, turn into Te Wera Road at the Motu River Bridge, then right into Moanui Road - a gravel road with some narrow sections.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 38.41404° S, 177.27789° E

About this place
This loop track provides options for an overnight tramp with children or a multi-day tramp with river walking sections.
The route
Walk this loop in either direction or visit each of the two huts on separate return trips. The river level should be low if you want to complete the entire trip. The tracks are well marked but you should be fully equipped with a good level of backcountry experience. Follow the yellow marker poles in farmland sections.
Moanui Road to Koranga Forks Hut
Time: 2–3 hr
The track to the Koranga Forks Hut runs alongside the Koranga River with opportunities for swimming. It's a good overnight tramp for families with children. The hut is situated in the fork of the Koranga and Kahunui streams. A swing bridge crosses the Koranga River 5 minutes from the hut.
Koranga Forks Hut to Tawa Hut
Time: 6–7 hr
The trip between the Koranga Forks Hut and the Tawa Hut is along the Kahunui Stream bed. The majority of the track is in the river, a large orange track marker on the true right indicates exit from the river onto the benched track that takes approximately 30 minutes to get to the Tawa Hut. The route between the two huts should not be attempted when river levels are high.
Side trip: Tawa Hut - Kahunui Hut
Time: 5 -7 hr
It's mainly river walking to the historic Kahunui Hut.
Tawa Hut to Moanui Road
Time: 4–5 hr
The benched track starts at the hut and continues upstream beside the Kahunui Stream. Continue up the Kahunui and into the Kahuiti Stream. There is a well formed benched track most of the way up through the bush to the farm land. A steep descent down through farmland (known as "the burn" if you're going up) takes you back to the Koranga River and Moanui swing bridge. From this point the well marked track takes 30 minutes to the Moanui Road end and carpark.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Know before you go
Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross. Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out. How to cross rivers safely NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
On this track
In walking order.
Nearby stops
Koranga Forks Hut
Standard • 6 bunks • Bay of Plenty • 2 km
Koranga Forks Hut is a standard six-bunk hut located in the Waioweka Conservation area. It is situated in the East Coast region of New Zealand.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Tawa Hut
Standard • 6 bunks • Gisborne • 2.6 km
Tawa Hut is a standard six-bunk hut located in the Waioweka Conservation Area on the East Coast.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Nikau Flat Hut
Standard • 6 bunks • Bay of Plenty • 6.6 km
Nikau Flat Hut is a standard six-bunk hut located in the Waioweka Conservation Area on the East Coast.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Tataweka Hut
Bay of Plenty • 7.1 km
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Kahunui Hut
Standard • 6 bunks • Gisborne • 7.3 km
Kahunui Hut is a standard six-bunk hut located in the Waioeka Conservation Area on the East Coast.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Notes from people who have been
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Sources
- DOC Tracks (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).
