Mt. Urchin to Waipakihi River, Kaimanawa Forest Park, Turangi

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

Location: Kaimanawa Forest Park, Turangi

Parking: Urchin track access road end 

Toilets: No

Dogs: With DOC permit, contact Turangi DOC 

Date Walked: 2nd & 3rd January 2022

Weather Conditions: Cloudy, warm 

Distance: Approx. 8km each way

Time Required: 3hrs 15 per way

Final Rating: ★★★★★

GETTING THERE

Details from DOC website:

1. Turn off SH1 onto Kaimanawa Road 17 km south of Tūrangi.
2. Travel 3.5 km to the junction.
3. Turn right onto the Urchin Campsite road.
4. Follow this road past the Pillar of Hercules and Urchin Campsite. We recommend using high ground clearance or 4WD vehicles on this road.
5. Continue on up to the end of the road where you will see the Urchin Track entrance.

THE WALK

We completed this as an overnight hike, by completing Mt. Urchin (read more about Mt Urchin day walk here), then following across the poled route along the mountain top before dropping down to the Waipakahi River.

Mt Urchin is a steady climb which consists of around 45 minutes of climbing through bush, before levelling off. Once continuing along the levelled off section for around 15 to 20 minutes, you reach the bush line. The scree then covers the track and it is a steep sharp walk up to the trig. The view on a clear day of Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu are just beautiful. 

Once past the trig station, the terrain changes to more of an alpine environment, with shrubs and tussock surrounding the path. The path has pole markers, and is very easy to follow.

After a few more km’s, a junction point is reached. Head right down towards Waipakahi Valley to meet the river. This is a very steep, short section of the path and is quite difficult due to the uneven ground underfoot and steepness. after around 1 hour of descending, you are met with the beautiful Waipakahi River and a huge amount of camping spot options.

Option to continue onto either Waipakahi Hut, or Waipakahi Road end after crossing the river. We chose to spend the night and head back the next day as an overnight trip. Overall, I would highly recommend this walk. It is not very long but the incline makes it a good workout, beautiful views and camping options and being able to take the dog is a massive plus!!