Umukarikari Track (to Waipakihi Hut)
WalkWaikato
- Grade
- Advanced
- Walking time
- 8 hr
- Distance
- 14 km
- 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.nzFrom Tūrangi, follow SH1 south for 15 km, then turn off onto Kaimanawa Rd. After the bridge over Tongariro River, stay left at the fork. Follow the road then turn left at the Waikoko Campsite and continue for 500 m before turning left on to Umakarikari Road.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map and tracks
Track lines: DOC Te Papa Atawhai. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 39.13515° S, 175.89383° E
About this place
This track leads across the Umukarikari Range to the upper Waipakihi valley and Waipakihi Hut.
The route
From the road end, Umukarikari Track climbs steadily through beech forest to the treeline. From there it follows a poled route along the Umukarikari Range, with spectacular views across the Kaimanawa Forest Park, Lake Taupō and the volcanoes. The route passes Sharp Cone (1481 m) and the Umukarikari summit (1561 m). From the summit, the route follows a long, open ridge. At the end of the ridge, the track drops down into the Waipahiki Valley. The route crosses the Waipakihi River. This crossing is not bridged, so take care – it may not be passable during/after heavy rain. From the true left of the river, a short track leads up to Waipakihi Hut. The hut is popular with hunters and trampers. It has excellent views of the river valley and the Kaimanawa tops.
Mountain biking
No mountain biking allowed.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Know before you go
Be prepared for cold, wet weather at any time of year
The weather in Kaimanawa Forest Park is extremely changeable. Visitors should be prepared for cold wet conditions even in summer. Frosts and snow are likely on high ground throughout the year. The annual rainfall is approximately 3500 mm and decreases towards the east. Always carry warm and waterproof clothing. Check weather forecast
Pack for a remote, backcountry area
The Kaimanawa Forest Park is a remote area and you can expect rough, tramping tracks. It is best suited to experienced trampers with river crossing, navigation and backcountry skills. Pack to be self-sufficient by packing everything on this tramping packing list. There is no cell phone coverage in many parts of the park. Always carry a distress beacon.
Be careful when crossing rivers
Rivers and streams can rise rapidly during and after heavy rain. Be careful when crossing – assess them carefully and decide whether it is safe to cross. Take extra care when crossing larger rivers such as the Mohaka, Ōamaru, Ngaruroro and Waipakihi Rivers. Carry an emergency shelter and extra food, in case you are delayed by impassable rivers. Genesis Energy monitors flows in the Waipakihi River, see Tongariro flow, level and rain data or phone +64 7 386 8113 (or free phone 0800 435 697 (0800 4 FLOWS)). Learn river crossing skills
Check the fire danger
During periods of extreme fire danger the lighting of fires in the open may be prohibited. Check the fire danger on checkitsalright.nz Even when fires are allowed, we recommend using portable stoves rather than lighting open fires. If you must use a wood fire, obtain firewood from dead trees only.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Joins these tracks
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Freedom Camping for Self Contained Vehicles
Waikato • 5.5 km
Freedom Camping for Self Contained Vehicles is a campsite located in the Waikato region. It provides a location for self contained vehicles to park and camp.
Waikoko Campsite
Basic • Waikato • 5.5 km
Waikoko Campsite is the main campsite of five located along Waikoko stream in the Waikato region. It sits in a large, sunny clearing above the river.
Fire pit/place for campfires (except in fire bans) • Non-powered/tent sites • Shelter for cooking
Kaimanawa Road Campsite
Basic • Waikato • 5.8 km
Kaimanawa Road Campsite is a basic campsite located within the Kaimanawa Forest Park in the Waikato region. It serves as a starting point for many forest walks…
Fire pit/place for campfires (except in fire bans) • Non-powered/tent sites • Toilets - non-flush
Urchin Campsite
Basic • Waikato • 6.5 km
Urchin Campsite is a popular campsite in the Waikato region that serves as a base for hunting, tramping, walking, and mountain biking. A variety of tracks are…
Fire pit/place for campfires (except in fire bans) • Non-powered/tent sites • Water from stream
Rangitikei Hut
Manawatū-Whanganui • 9.2 km
Rangitikei Hut is a backcountry hut located in the Manawatū-Whanganui region. It provides basic shelter for hikers and tramps in the area.
Walks nearby
Urchin to Umukarikari (U2U) track
Advanced • 8 hr 30 min - 10 hr • 18.5 km • 2.55 km away
Mt Urchin Trig Track
Advanced • 3–4 hr • 6.6 km • 5.61 km away
Kaimanawa Forest Loop Walk
Easy • 20 min • 1.1 km • 6.24 km away
Urchin Campsite to Pillars of Hercules
Easy • 30 min • 1.5 km • 6.53 km away
Tree Trunk Gorge tracks
Advanced • 1 hr 30 min • 5 km | 17 km • 7.36 km away
Notes from people who have been
No notes yet. If you have been, say what you found.
Something missing or out of date?
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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).