Last updated October 2026
The North-South Track is a 5–7 day expert tramp along the Kaimai Range, from the Karangahake Gorge on SH2 to the Kaimai Summit on SH29. DOC describes it as “suitable for expert backcountry trampers only”, using rugged routes with many river crossings, and says you will need to camp as well as use huts.
The recommended route runs via Waitawheta Hut and the Waitawheta and Wharawhara valleys, with DOC huts including Daly’s Clearing Hut, Te Rereatukahia Hut, Te Whare Okioki and Hurunui Hut.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park area: the Old North–South Track between Waitawheta Hut and Te Rereatukahia Hut is an unmaintained expert route, recommended only for highly experienced trampers, and DOC says to allow up to four extra hours between those huts. The range is about 31 km from Tauranga at its nearest. 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 North-South Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Karangahake Gorge, off SH2 at Karangahake
- Finish
- Kaimai Summit, SH29
- Distance from the city
- About 31 km from Tauranga
- Walking time
- 5–7 days
- Track length
- 82 km one way
- Grade
- Expert
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Huts
- DOC huts including Daly’s Clearing, Waitawheta, Te Rereatukahia, Te Whare Okioki and Hurunui; camping also needed
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (Northern Kaimai alert: the section between Waitawheta and Te Rereatukahia huts is an unmaintained expert route; allow up to four extra hours). Check DOC before you go.
About North-South Track
The North-South Track runs the length of the Kaimai Range through the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park. DOC says it “takes at least five days of serious tramping”, over steep, technical and remote terrain with many river crossings. These areas are hard to maintain, and the tramp may involve navigating around landslides and fallen trees.
The recommended route goes via Waitawheta Hut and the Waitawheta and Wharawhara valleys. The old route along the crest of the main range, from Mount Te Aroha through Pahiko and Wahine Rock, is a route, and DOC says it can be extremely muddy and overgrown.
You can shorten the trip by entering or leaving the park on a side track. This is a serious multi-day undertaking for expert backcountry trampers only.
Huts and Camping
DOC’s example 7-day itinerary, offered as a guide only, runs:
| Day 1 | Karangahake Gorge to Daly’s Clearing Hut |
| Day 2 | Daly’s Clearing Hut to Waitawheta Hut |
| Day 3 | Waitawheta Hut to Te Rereatukahia Hut |
| Day 4 | Te Rereatukahia Hut to Poupou Stream |
| Day 5 | Poupou Stream to Te Whare Okioki |
| Day 6 | Te Whare Okioki to Hurunui Hut or Kaimai Summit |
| Day 7 | Hurunui Hut to Kaimai Summit (optional) |
Kauritatahi and Mangamuka huts are well off the main track, and DOC says they should only be attempted by experienced trampers. DOC suggests skipping them or planning extra days, and camping once or twice between Motutapere Hut and Te Whare Okioki. Check each DOC hut page for bunks, fees and booking.
Current Alerts and Safety
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alert on this track’s own page, but DOC had an alert for the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park area (its Northern Kaimai track closures alert). It said the Old North–South Track between Waitawheta Hut and Te Rereatukahia Hut is an expert route that is unmaintained and “may be unmarked in places”, with muddy, steep and rugged terrain and multiple stream crossings.
DOC said to allow up to four additional hours between those huts and to carry equipment for an overnight stay if required. The same alert listed the Lindemann Loop and Waitengaue tracks as closed for kauri protection and storm damage.
For river crossings, DOC’s advice is “If in doubt, stay out.” Mobile coverage is intermittent. Carry a tent, sleeping bag, topographic map and full backcountry gear, tell someone your plans and use Plan My Walk.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: North-South 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
How long is the North-South Track?
DOC gives 5–7 days, and says it takes at least five days of serious tramping.
Who is it suitable for?
Expert backcountry trampers only, according to DOC.
Where does it start and finish?
At the Karangahake Gorge on SH2 and the Kaimai Summit on SH29.
Do I need a tent?
Yes. DOC says you will need to camp in addition to staying in huts.
Can I take my dog?
No dogs.
Are there current alerts?
Yes. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s Northern Kaimai alert for the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park covered the old section between Waitawheta and Te Rereatukahia huts, an unmaintained expert route, and listed the nearby Lindemann Loop and Waitengaue tracks as closed. Check DOC before you go.
Can I do a shorter section?
Yes. DOC says you can enter or leave the park on a side track.
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.