Last updated October 2026
The Te Rereatukahia Hut Track leads into the northern Kaimai Range to Te Rereatukahia Hut, a DOC hut on the North-South Track inland from Katikati. DOC grades it Advanced and gives 3–6 hrs one way.
DOC notes that part of the loop track has been disestablished, so the easiest way to the hut now starts at the end of Hot Springs Road, via the Tuahu East track and Tuahu Saddle.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s Northern Kaimai alert listed the Te Rereatukahia Hut Track as open, but asked for caution at a slip site on Tuahu East and said to avoid it in adverse weather. The start is about 30 km from Tauranga. Check DOC before you go.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Te Rereatukahia Hut Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- End of Hot Springs Road (easiest), or end of Wharawhara Road off SH2 south of Katikati
- Distance from the city
- About 30 km from Tauranga
- Walking time
- 3–6 hrs one way (about 3 hours from Hot Springs Road)
- Track length
- 9.5–15 km one way
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Hut
- Te Rereatukahia Hut (DOC hut)
- Mountain bikes
- Not permitted
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (caution at a slip site on Tuahu East; avoid in adverse weather). Check DOC before you go.
About Te Rereatukahia Hut Track
From the end of Hot Springs Road, follow the well-formed Tuahu East track from the car park up to Tuahu Saddle. At the saddle, turn north onto the North-South Track and follow it to Te Rereatukahia Hut. DOC puts the hut about 3 hours from the car park.
Along the way, DOC notes grass clearings and an old fence, a legacy of the days when this part of the range was heavily modified by burning and farming.
Te Rereatukahia Hut
Te Rereatukahia Hut is a DOC hut on the North-South Track. DOC’s track page lists it as a Serviced hut with 12 bunk beds, heating, mattresses, non-flush toilets and tap water that is not treated (boil before use). It doesn’t give fees or booking details, so check the DOC hut page before you go.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s Northern Kaimai alert listed these access routes to the hut: the Te Rereatukahia Hut Track via Wharawhara Road, the Tuahu (West) Track, Tuahu East, and open North-South Track entrances.
Track Conditions and Safety
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s Northern Kaimai alert said that for Tuahu East, “Caution is required at a slip site. Avoid in adverse weather.” The same alert says the Old North-South Track between Waitawheta Hut and Te Rereatukahia Hut is an unmaintained expert route, recommended only for highly experienced trampers.
DOC recommends strong boots, warm clothing, a good raincoat, a first aid kit, food and drink, and a topographic map. Check DOC before you go, tell someone your plans and use Plan My Walk.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Te Rereatukahia Hut Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park: huts, tracks and current conditions across the Kaimai Range.
Plan My Walk: weather, track alerts and a trip plan to share before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Te Rereatukahia Hut Track open?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s Northern Kaimai alert listed it as open, with caution needed at a slip site on Tuahu East. Part of the old loop has been disestablished. Check DOC before you go.
How long does it take to reach the hut?
DOC gives 3–6 hrs one way, and about 3 hours from the Hot Springs Road car park.
Where should I start?
DOC says the easiest route now starts at the end of Hot Springs Road. You can also park at the end of Wharawhara Road, off SH2 just south of Katikati.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced.
Can I take my dog?
No dogs.
Is there a hut?
Yes, Te Rereatukahia Hut, a DOC hut on the North-South Track. Check DOC for booking details.
Can I bike it?
No. DOC says mountain biking is not permitted.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.