Nikau Flat and Kotepato Tracks
WalkBay of Plenty
- Grade
- Advanced
- Walking time
- 2 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.nzTravel halfway (42 km) through the Waioeka Gorge on SH2 from Opotiki. Turn into Wairata Rd and travel for 2 km before turning right and crossing a bridge onto Redpath Rd. Continue down Redpath Rd until you reach the stockyards at the road end. Park in the designated area.
You will walk 1 - 2 hours across private farmland on a farm track before reaching the bush where signage will direct you to either tracks.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 38.33799° S, 177.31039° E
About this place
These two scenic tracks offer excellent opportunity for trout fishing and hunting. The Nikau Flat Track follows alongside the Waioweka River and the Kotepato Track follows alongside the Te Pato Stream.
The route
These two tracks are accessed through private land. Both tracks follow rivers giving a scenic experience through native bush. There are good swimming holes alongside the Nikau Flat Track and great fishing so take your time and enjoy. The gradient for the majority of these tracks is mostly easy but a good level of fitness is required for adults and children.
Redpath Road end to Kotepato Hut
Time: 2 to 3 hours one way
Follow the farm track to bush edge where you will cross the Waioeka River. From here the track follows the Te Pato upstream taking about 30 mins to reach the Kotepato Hut.
Redpath Road end to Nikau Flat Hut
Time: 3 to 4 hours one way
Follow the farm track to the bush edge then a well benched track follows the Waioeka River on the true left finishing at the Nikau Flat Hut on a grassy river flat. Backcountry experience required.
Nikau Flat Hut to Kotepato Hut
Time: 2 to 3 hours
From Nikau Flat Hut, continue north along the Waioeka River. About 1.5 hr north of the hut there is a track to the east that takes you on a 1 km detour up Te Pato Stream to Kotepato Hut.
Kotepato Hut to Wairata Road end
Time: 1 to 2 hours
From Kotepato Hut return to the Waioeka River and head downstream. The track turns into a 4WD road and reaches Redpath Road after 4 km.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
On this track
In walking order.
Nearby stops
Koranga Forks Hut
Standard • 6 bunks • Bay of Plenty • 7 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
Manganuku Campsite
Standard • Bay of Plenty • 8.4 km
Manganuku Campsite is located in the Bay of Plenty region. It offers camping beside one of the few remaining historic Howe truss bridges.
Fire pit/place for campfires (except in fire bans) • Non-powered/tent sites • Toilets - flush
Koaunui Hut
Bay of Plenty • 11.4 km
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Tawa Hut
Standard • 6 bunks • Gisborne • 11.4 km
Tawa Hut is a standard six-bunk hut located in the Waioweka Conservation Area on the East Coast.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Manganuku Hut
Basic/bivvies • 6 bunks • Bay of Plenty • 13.2 km
Manganuku Hut is a Department of Conservation hut in the Bay of Plenty region. It provides six bunks and an open fireplace for visitors. Water is available…
Heating • Mattresses • Water from stream
Walks nearby
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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).