Maukaatua Route

The track begins from the end of the Woodside Glen Walk where it crosses Lee Creek, as indicated with an orange marker. From this point the track is an advanced tramping track so requires a higher degree of care. Follow the central path according to orange waymarks as you go up – there are many tracks used for other purposes such as hunting, which diverge into the bush. As you move upwards from the valley floor, experience a rare, unbroken transition in vegetation. Podocarp broadleaved forests shift through tawai/silver beech forest and montane shrubland, to low-alpine snow-grass and cushion bog communities as you reach the summit plateau. Pīwakawaka/fantails and other native birds and occasionally wild pigs or deer may be sighted. Once reaching the bush-line where the tussock begins, orange poles mark the final ascent to a cluster of schist and the end of the track. Take a break from this vantage point and take in spectacular views that extend in all directions. The managed track finishes at this orange marker. You will need to return via the same track.