Kaimai Backcountry Management Plan

Kaimai Backcountry Management Plan Kaimai Community Version 2.2 11 th November, 2015

Contents 1 Background... 3 2 Objectives... 4 3 Outcomes... 4 4 The Kaimai Community... 4 5 Kaimai Community - DOC Partnership... 4 6 KRCT Management Structure... 5 7 Affiliated Organisations... 5 8 Structure of the... 5 9 High Priority Objective the Kaimai Ridgeway... 6 9.1 New Huts... 6 9.2 Day 1 Kaimai Summit to Ngamuwahine Hut... 7 9.3 Day 2 Ngamuwahine Hut to Kaimai Hut... 7 9.4 Day 3 Kaimai Hut to Thompsons Hut... 8 9.5 Day 4 Thompsons Hut to Te Rereatukahia Hut... 9 9.6 Day 5 Te Rereatukahia Hut to Mangakino Hut or Waitawheta Hut... 9 9.7 Day 6 / 7 Mangakino Hut or Waitawheta Hut to Karangahake Gorge...10 10 The Kaimai Range...12 10.1 Area Definition...12 10.2 Kaimai Backcountry Features...18 10.3 Other Features...24 11 Future Kaimai Hiking Options...25 11.1 Day Hike Options...25 11.2 Overnight Hike Options...25 11.3 Multi Day Hike Options...26 Version 2.2 Page 2 of 26 11 th November, 2015

1 Background The Kaimai Range is a band of hills providing a dramatic boundary between the Waikato and the northern Bay Of Plenty. The Range provides the spine of the northern section of the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park. Conservation Parks are public lands managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) so that their natural and historic resources are protected and public access and enjoyment facilitated. The Park is of significant historical interest (especially kauri extraction and various mining ventures), and has high ecological values, including varied forest types, a wide variety of vegetation and open ridgetop environments. There is a major amount of rugged bush and ridgetop spaces which are mostly beyond the reach of the casual day walker. But they have the potential to provide an ideal outdoor experience for capable and fit trampers and hunters. The Park lies within 2 hours driving for over half of New Zealand s population, and also a key New Zealand gateway for all the overseas visitors that are attracted by the many special outdoor experiences that our country provides. The backcountry potential of the Kaimai Range is not being realised because of scarce development resources within the DOC annual funding allocations, so the existing backcountry facilities of tracks and huts are patchy, suffering from : Insufficient huts location, size, facilities Intermittently maintained tracks Boggy tracks requiring surface protection Areas of special interest with downgraded access, rather than having suitable facilities to allow visitors to appreciate their significance. In 2014 the Kaimai Concept Plan was presented to DOC and the Outdoor Recreation Consortium to support successful applications for volunteer led funding aimed at : Development of the Kaimai Ridgeway - providing a new multi day trail incorporating spectacular ridgetop tracks that were becoming derelict Volunteer managed track maintenance for tramping tracks The construction of additional huts to provide comfortable shelter for multi day trips During 2015 there have been some significant outcomes from the resulting work, but to fully realise the objectives of the Kaimai Concept Plan, it has now evolved into this Kaimai Backcountry Management Plan, presenting a more comprehensive plan for the complete Kaimai backcountry experience. Version 2.2 Page 3 of 26 11 th November, 2015

2 Objectives To provide well maintained tracks, huts and campsites throughout the Kaimai Range in order to : provide a wide range of options for enjoyable and achievable day and multi day backcountry activities; and provide comfortable places to stay for people undertaking multi day activities; and provide facilities that allow visitors to sensitively appreciate areas of ecological interest; and provide facilities for track maintenance work parties in remote areas; and provide facilities that support pest control activities; and provide facilities that encourage young people to enjoy and appreciate backcountry activities; and provide access to publicly owned conservation land 3 Outcomes Primary outcomes achievable from execution of this plan are : A significant increase in numbers of people engaging in backcountry activities in the Kaimai Range A named trail the Kaimai Ridgeway that attracts visitors from throughout New Zealand and from overseas, and leads to them recommending it to their friends A wider appreciation and enjoyment of all that is special in the Kaimai Range Facilities to support greater conservation protection throughout the Range The realisation of ownership of these outcomes by all participants 4 The Kaimai Community The Kaimai Community is an association of Kaimai Range interested groups, including tramping clubs from the Bay Of Plenty, the Waikato, and Auckland, and Deerstalkers branches from the Bay Of Plenty, Thames Valley, Hamilton and Auckland. This is evolving from an Auckland Tramping Club (ATC) led association into an independent organisation focused solely on the achievement of this plan. The intention by early 2016 is the formation of the Kaimai Ridgeway Charitable Trust (KRCT) to take over the current activities of the ATC DOC Partnership, and to become the organisation responsible for the execution of this Plan. 5 Kaimai Community - DOC Partnership An essential component of this plan is the partnership between the KRCT and DOC. While the KRCT can provide focused work in execution of the plan, it can only succeed via a close working relationship with DOC that acknowledges all the values and objectives that makes DOC such a special organisation for our country. Version 2.2 Page 4 of 26 11 th November, 2015

There are some differing priorities, but with constant dialogue and listening to each other, these differences are resolvable, allowing achievement of mutually desired outcomes that each organisation cannot achieve on its own. 6 KRCT Management Structure The KRCT will consist of : A management committee that represents the major supporting clubs An affiliation from all supporting groups and interested individuals The role of the trust is to provide overall direction, prioritisation, co-ordination, and funding, with this being sustainable over a long period of time. As with the current Partnership agreement, affiliated clubs will take responsibility for execution of specific areas of responsibility within the Plan, be that the maintenance of a section of tracks, maintenance of hut(s), or a combination of the two. Multiple funding sources will be accessed, to ensure progress can be made quickly once Plans are established. 7 Affiliated Organisations The following organisations are affiliated with the KRCT, and share representatives with it : Auckland Deerstalkers Auckland Tramping Club Bay Of Plenty Deerstalkers Cambridge Tramping Club Individuals Kaimai Ramblers Katikati Tramping Club Manukau Tramping Club North Auckland Deerstalkers Tauranga Mid Week Tramping Group Thames Valley Deerstalkers Waikato Deerstalkers Waikato Tramping Club Whakamarama Community 8 Structure of the The remainder of this document elaborates the targets of the plan via : Description of the Kaimai Ridgeway route and facilities Detailing the Kaimai Range facilities and targets o Definition of geographical areas of the Kaimai Range, with maps, to assist in understanding of the detail o Detailing the current and planned Kaimai facilities by area, including targets for the KRCT o Detailing Kaimai facilities that are not in scope for potential inclusion in KRCT activity Providing suggestions for day, overnight, and multi day hike options that this Plan will assist to deliver Version 2.2 Page 5 of 26 11 th November, 2015

9 High Priority Objective the Kaimai Ridgeway The Kaimai Ridgeway will deliver a significantly improved Kaimai backcountry experience leading to : Increased visitor numbers from New Zealand and Overseas for multi day trips Improved access and facilities for hunters Improved access and facilities for conservation work Increased visitor numbers and supporting services in the towns surrounding the Kaimai Range A major local community involvement, sense of ownership and pride in their local Park 9.1 New Huts The achievement of this requires 4 new huts, spaced suitably to support a day s hike for a person of medium fitness. In summary : Area Temporary Hut Name Purpose Priority South Ngamuwahine Hut Kaimai Ridgeway Night 1, hunting, track 1 (High) maintenance Wairere Kaimai Hut Kaimai Ridgeway Night 2, hunting, track 2 (High) maintenance Wairere Thompsons Hut Kaimai Ridgeway Night 3, track 3 (Med) maintenance North Mangakino Hut Kaimai Ridgeway Night 5 (Option 1 as below), track maintenance 4 (Med) Location details are provided later in this plan. Temporary hut names are highlighted in this plan by including the name in double quotes. These will all be of the same design, providing : 12 bunks, in a 2 level bunk platform style Water tank and outdoor sink Logburner with firewood provided Toilet Camping spaces near the hut It is anticipated that these huts will be funded and owned by the KRCT, but made available for public access as per other huts in the DOC hut network. In the spirit of recognising backcountry eventualities, with the ability to allow parties to adapt to changing weather conditions or individual needs, hut bookings will only be mandatory for large groups. This policy will be applied to all huts in the Park, excluding Waitawheta Hut. The following is a description of the planned Kaimai Ridgeway route and facilities for the, travelling from South to North. Version 2.2 Page 6 of 26 11 th November, 2015

9.2 Day 1 Kaimai Summit to Ngamuwahine Hut Area Start End Via Notes South Kaimai Ridgeway Ngamuwahine Hut SH29 end Kaimai Ridgeway (previously North South Track) Hut priority Number 1 SH29 to Hurunui Hut 3 hours Hurunui Hut to Ngamuwahine Hut 3 hours 9.3 Day 2 Ngamuwahine Hut to Kaimai Hut Area Start End Via Notes South Ngamuwahine Hut Wairere Track / Kaimai Ridgeway Northern Junction Kaimai Ridgeway (previously North South Track) Wairere Junction Wairere Falls (top) Wairere Track Optional side Wairere Junction Kaimai Hut Kaimai Ridgeway (previously North South Track) trip Hut Priority Number 2 Version 2.2 Page 7 of 26 11 th November, 2015

Ngamuwahine Hut to Wairere 3 hours Wairere to Kaimai Hut 2 hours 9.4 Day 3 Kaimai Hut to Thompsons Hut Area Wairere Start Kaimai Hut End Thompsons Hut Via Kaimai Ridgeway (previously North South Track) Notes Hut Priority Number 3 Kaimai Hut to Thompsons Hut 5 hours Version 2.2 Page 8 of 26 11th November, 2015

9.5 Day 4 Thompsons Hut to Te Rereatukahia Hut Area Start End Via Notes Wairere / Central Thompsons Hut Te Rereatukahia Hut Kaimai Ridgeway (previously North South Track) Thompsons Hut to Motutapere Hut Motutapere Hut to Te Rereatukahia Hut 3 hours 3 hours 9.6 Day 5 Te Rereatukahia Hut to Mangakino Hut or Waitawheta Hut Area Start End Via Notes Central / Te Rereatukahia Mangakino Hut North Hut Central / Waiorongomai Te Rereatukahia Hut Waitawheta Hut Kaimai Ridgeway (previously Old North South Track) Te Rereatukahia Hut Track / Wharawhara Tramway / Upper Waitawheta Tracks Option 1 good weather Option 2 less favourable weather This is a suggestion only that requires more careful assessment of options for the Mangakino Hut. The identified location here is potentially too close to Te Aroha and Dalys Clearing Hut, and a location on the NE side of the ridge in the vicinity of Pahiko may provide a better hut spacing, as well as a better location for work parties working on that section of the Kaimai Ridgeway. The current logistics for working up there are challenging, involving either helicopter flights, or a 700m climb with overnight gear and tools to a location where a year round water supply is not guaranteed. Version 2.2 Page 9 of 26 11 th November, 2015

Option 1 Kaimai Ridgeway Te Rereatukahia Hut to Pylon Peak Pylon Peak to Mangakino Hut 4 to 5 hours 2 to 3 hours Option 2 Waitawheta Hut 6 to 7 hours 9.7 Day 6 / 7 Mangakino Hut or Waitawheta Hut to Karangahake Gorge Area Start End Via Notes North Mangakino Hut Karangahake Gorge Kaimai Ridgeway Option 1 (previously Mangakino Pack Track), Dickeys Flat, Waitawheta Pipeline Track North Waitawheta Hut Karangahake Gorge Waitawheta Stream, Dalys Clearing, Mangakino Pack Track, Dickeys Option 2 Version 2.2 Page 10 of 26 11 th November, 2015

Area Start End Via Notes Flat, Waitawheta Pipeline Track North North North Mangakino Pack / Stream Junction Mangakino Hut or Waitawheta Hut Dalys Clearing Hut Karangahake Gorge Mangakino Stream Track, Mt Karangahake Dalys Clearing Hut Various Options ranging from 6 to 9 hours Mangakino pack Track or Waitawheta Stream Extension Option Overnight Option to extend to 7 days Karangahake Gorge Various Options Day 7 completion Version 2.2 Page 11 of 26 11 th November, 2015

10 The Kaimai Range 10.1 Area Definition Area Definition Targets North From Karangahake Gorge south West of the Waitawheta Hut Southern boundary at a line drawn from Waitawheta Hut to the junction of the Mangakino Pack Track and the side track to the Tui Mine site Tramping tracks are potential KRCT maintenance once tracks further south are being managed well New standard Kaimai 12 bunk hut in the general vicinity of the Mangakino Shelter site options not assessed yet Dalys Clearing hut to be adopted by Manukau TC for maintenance from late 2015 Version 2.2 Page 12 of 26 11 th November, 2015

Area Definition Targets North East East of the Waitawheta River From Waitawheta hut to the junction with the Wairoa Shelter Track, and the tracks East from that junction Some tracks are already In the KRCT maintenance schedule Other tracks to be added to KRCT maintenance as resources permit Area Definition Targets Waiorongomai Areas around Mt Te Aroha and the tracks to the West of Waiorongomai Stream Waipapa Track through to Waitawheta Hut Principally an area of DOC maintenance because of higher standard and use Version 2.2 Page 13 of 26 11 th November, 2015

Area Definition Targets Central South of Waipapa Track East of Waiorongomai Stream All tracks and huts south to Thompsons track saddle Kaimai Ridgeway route from Waipapa south along the Old NS track Improvements to Te Rereatukahia Hut to make it a pleasanter place to stay A significant proportion of the tracks are already Eastern Kauri Grove Track requires DOC decisions on kauri protection approach Motutapere Hut maintenance transfers from TV Deerstalkers to KRCT Most tracks in this area are already In the KRCT maintenance schedule Version 2.2 Page 14 of 26 11 th November, 2015

Area Definition Targets Wairere South from Thompsons Track Saddle to Wairere Track New standard Kaimai 12 bunk hut E of Thompsons saddle New standard Kaimai 12 bunk hut E of Thompsons saddle SW of Aongatete Lodge Kauritatahi Hut maintenance transfers from TV Deerstalkers to KRCT Rename the North South Track to Kaimai Ridgeway, extending the named route south from the Central area Commence KRCT maintenance from 2016 Medium term evaluation of reintroducing the tramping route along Te Henga Ridge, having regard to the measures required to protect this ecologically interesting area Version 2.2 Page 15 of 26 11 th November, 2015

Area Definition Targets South All tracks S of the Wairere Track to SH29 New standard Kaimai 12 bunk hut at the site of the old Ngamuwahine shelter Most tracks are already In the KRCT maintenance schedule, or being added by early 2016 Mangamuka Hut maintenance transfers from BOP Deerstalkers to KRCT Hurunui Hut maintenance transfers from BOP Deerstalkers to KRCT Version 2.2 Page 16 of 26 11 th November, 2015

Version 2.2 Page 17 of 26 11 th November, 2015

10.2 Kaimai Backcountry Features These are included as in scope for this plan. Area Feature Targets North All tramping tracks around Mt Karangahake, excluding Waitawheta Pipeline Potential KRCT maintenance once tracks further south are being managed well Option to extend Kaimai Ridgeway to incorporate Mt Karangahake as an alternative to the Waitawheta Pipeline Mangakino Stream Track Medium priority KRCT maintenance and Kaimai Ridgeway extension Dickeys Flat to Mangakino Potential KRCT maintenance Stream Track junction Mangakino Pack Track S to KRCT maintenance 2015-2016 junction with side track to Tui (Manukau TC TBC) Mine site Dean Track KRCT maintenance 2015-2016 (Manukau TC TBC) Dalys Clearing Track KRCT maintenance 2015-2016 (Manukau TC TBC) Dalys Clearing Hut KRCT maintenance 2015-2016 (Manukau TC TBC) New hut - Mangakino Hut Assess options for a hut site for a standard Kaimai 12 bunk hut in the general vicinity to the Mangakino Shelter Hut priority (medium) after the 3 new huts further south North East Bluff Stream Track and Bluff Stream Kauri Grove track Waitengaue Track Wairoa Stream Track Lindemanns Loop Track Wairoa Shelter Track On the full south to north Kaimai Ridgeway, this will provide a comfortable backcountry overnight stop for night 5 as an alternative to Waitawheta Hut, which is larger and is a primary easy walking destination for larger groups To be added to KRCT maintenance as resources permit To be added to KRCT maintenance as resources permit To be added to KRCT maintenance as resources permit (Katikati TC) (Katikati TC) Version 2.2 Page 18 of 26 11 th November, 2015

Area Feature Targets Upper Waitawheta Track to Wairoa Shelter Track junction To be added to KRCT maintenance as resources permit Waiorongomai Mangakino Pack Track from Tui Mine side track to Waipapa KRCT maintenance 2015-2016 (Auckland TC) Track Tui mine site area Potential KRCT maintenance low Tracks to the W of Waiorongomai Stream priority KRCT to monitor maintenance state, but not expecting to be added into KRCT maintenance Central Pylon Peak Track KRCT construction and maintenance High priority to work with DOC to get completed and officially opened Kaimai Ridgeway (renamed from Old North South) through to Pylon Peak junction Kaimai Ridgeway (renamed from Old North South) from Pylon Peak junction to Te Rereatukahia hut Cashmores Clearing Track Upper Waitawheta Track / Wairoa Shelter Track junction down Wharawhara Tramway Track to the junction with Wharawhara Loop Track Wharawhara Link Track to Wharawhara Rd Te Rereatukahia Hut Track to Wharawhara Link Track junction Te Rereatukahia Hut (Auckland TC) High priority to work with DOC to implement track stabilisation and officially re-open (Auckland TC) Once the first section is open, this will be a high priority to clear, stabilise the surface and officially re-open Medium term priority to assess work required to make this track usable, taking note of the areas that require special protection To be added to KRCT maintenance as resources permit (Waikato TC) (Waikato TC) High priority tasks (KRCT / DOC activities) 1. Installation of sink and veranda extension 2. Installation of logburner, woodshed and establish timber supply process 3. Metalling of toilet track 4. Painting inside and out 5. Complete local track improvements On the full south to north Kaimai Ridgeway, this will provide a comfortable backcountry overnight stop for night 4. Version 2.2 Page 19 of 26 11 th November, 2015

Area Feature Targets Central Te Rereatukahia Hut Track / Wharawhara Link Track junction to Hot Springs Rd (Also known as Kauri Grove Track) DOC to determine and implement kauri protection measures To then be added to KRCT North South Track from Te Rereatukahia Hut to Thompsons Track saddle Tuahu Track Sentinel Rock Track Mt Eliza Track Motutapere Hut maintenance as resources permit Rename to Kaimai Ridgeway High Priority to complete track remediation (metalling, etc) (Waikato TC) (Kaimai Ramblers) (Kaimai Ramblers) To be added to KRCT maintenance as resources permit Thames Valley Deerstalkers maintenance continues under the KRCT umbrella Wairere New hut Thompsons Hut A hut location to the south of Thompsons track far away enough to avoid any historic problems of people coming in from Thompsons track 4x4 Track. The suggestion is an existing small clearing at or about GR 1851700 5829300. The location is just off the new N/S track and N/E about 150 Metres East on a ridge track that comes up from the East end of Thompsons Track Road (not a DOC track) The location offers a sunny warm spot, sheltered, with nice views to the north and west Standard Kaimai 12 bunk hut Hut priority (medium) after the 2 new huts further south Kauritatahi Hut Track Kauritatahi Hut On the full south to north Kaimai Ridgeway, this will provide a comfortable backcountry overnight stop for night 3. (Auckland TC) Maintain to a basic route standard Assessment of remedial track protection measures required Thames Valley Deerstalkers maintenance continues under the KRCT umbrella Version 2.2 Page 20 of 26 11 th November, 2015

Area Feature Targets Wairere North South Track from KRCT maintenance 2015-2016 Thompsons Track saddle to Wairere Track Poupou track from Upland Rd to Kaimai Ridgeway To be added to KRCT maintenance as resources permit Track from Wright Rd to Kaimai Ridgeway Section not maintained by Aongatete Lodge to be added to KRCT maintenance as resources permit New hut Kaimai Hut About GR 1855100 5824400 (about 1 hour south of the Aongatete river crossing) being an ideal spot set at about 400 metres above sea level, sheltered for the South and East on what would be described as an inner ridge with views to the north and great views west to the face and top of Te Henga Ridge / Ngatamahinerua Tops. This location is on dry ground with minimal tree clearing required and has the plus of cell phone coverage. Standard Kaimai 12 bunk hut Hut priority (high) after the new Ngamuwahine Hut On the full south to north Kaimai Ridgeway, this will provide a comfortable backcountry overnight stop for the second night. Te Henga Ridge Track This is also located in an area of significant interest to deerstalking groups. Originally part of the North South Track this was closed for ecological protection, including to protect the ridge from significant damage because of areas that can become very boggy This is still accessed by hardy trampers and hunters, with a multitude of marking tapes and some old markers. With an appropriately designed and maintained track this would become a memorable fine weather addition to the Kaimai Ridgeway route options, and an interesting route for those keen to appreciate its ecological values. Version 2.2 Page 21 of 26 11 th November, 2015

Area Feature Targets From the top of the ridge westwards is a Maori owned landblock Maurihoro B consultation required as part of future plans Wairere South South Wairere Track from the top of the Falls eastwards to where the North South Track turns southwards Wairere Track east from where the North South Track turns southwards North South Track from Wairere Track to Te Tuhi Track junction Te Tuhi Track, ending at the North South junction Ngamarama Track North South Track from Te Tuhi Track to Leyland O Brien Track junction Mangamuka Hut Tracks from Te Tuhi Track to the Mangamuka Hut and on to the North South Track Mangamuka Hut New hut Ngamuwahine Hut Leyland O Brien Track from Whakamarama Rd to Ngamuwahine Track junction It is a medium term priority to commence assessment of the options for reopening this route KRCT maintenance 2015-2016 To be added to KRCT maintenance as resources permit Including determining where it officially exits / leaves Conservation land on the eastern side Rename to the Kaimai Ridgeway (Cambridge TC TBC) (Cambridge TC TBC) (Auckland TC) Rename to the Kaimai Ridgeway (Auckland TC) To be added to KRCT maintenance as resources permit Monitoring by BOP Deerstalkers BOP Deerstalkers maintenance continues under the KRCT umbrella New standard Kaimai 12 bunk hut at the site of the old Ngamuwahine shelter Highest hut priority detailed design and costing work in progress On the full south to north Kaimai Ridgeway, this will provide a comfortable backcountry overnight stop for the first night. This hut is also located in an area that is popular with the deerstalking groups (Tauranga Mid Week Tramping Group - TMWTG) Version 2.2 Page 22 of 26 11 th November, 2015

Area Feature Targets Ngamuwahine and Ngamuwahine Loop (Bob s) Tracks Leyland O Brien Track from Ngamuwahine Track junction to North South junction North South Track from Leyland O Brien track junction to SH29 Hurunui Hut Henderson Tramway Tracks (North and West) Kaimai Summit Track (TMWTG) (TMWTG) Rename to the Kaimai Ridgeway (TMWTG) BOP Deerstalkers maintenance continues under the KRCT umbrella (TMWTG) (TMWTG) All Toilets at track ends The Kaimai Range has over 20 main public access points from roads around the boundaries of the Park. Not all of these have toilets Work with local authorities for the establishment and maintenance of toilets at the Kaimai public access points that do not already have a toilet Version 2.2 Page 23 of 26 11 th November, 2015

10.3 Other Features These are not included in this plan, principally because they are easily accessible to a wide range of visitor types, and consequently already require and receive a significant amount of DOC maintenance and development resources. Area Feature Notes North Waitawheta Pipeline Track Waitawheta Valley Track from Franklin Rd to Waitawheta hut Waiorongomai Waitawheta Hut Waipapa Track Mt Te Aroha Track Tracks in the Waiorongomai Valley to the west of the Waiorongomai Stream Monitoring to assess any KRCT support applicable Waiorongomai Kauri Grove Track To be closed for kauri protection purposes once the Pylon Peak Track is complete Central Thompsons Track Not a DOC managed track Wairere Tracks maintained by Aongatete Lodge Wairere Track from western carpark to the junction near the top of the Wairere Falls Old alternative side track on the western ascent to the Wairere Falls All All access tracks that are not on Conservation land Version 2.2 Page 24 of 26 11 th November, 2015

11 Future Kaimai Hiking Options This section suggests a number of day, overnight, and multi day hiking options in the Kaimai Range that the increased focus on providing suitable backcocuntry facilities will support. 11.1 Day Hike Options Some existing and planned single day hikes in the Park : Area Route Grade Status North Waitawheta River from Karangake Gorge Easy Existing North Mt Karangahake Waitawheta River circuit Medium - Existing Easy North Franklin Rd end circuit incorporating Dalys Medium Existing Clearing hut North East Waitengaue / Ananui Medium Existing North East Lindemann Loop / Wairoa Shelter Medium - Easy Existing Waiorongomai Wairongomai Pack tracks Easy Existing Central Waiorongomai Kaimai Ridgeway Waipapa Medium - Open 2015 Waiorongomai Pack loop Hard Wairere Thompsons Track E or W to / from Kauritatahi Hut / DC3 crash site Medium Existing - Thompsons Track is a mess Wairere Aongatete Lodge area tracks Easy Existing Wairere Wairere Falls / return Easy Existing Wairere / Wairere Falls / Te Tuhi Medium - Existing South Hard South Te Tuhi / Mangamuka Hut / NS loop Medium Existing South Henderson Tramway tracks / NS Easy Existing 11.2 Overnight Hike Options Some existing and planned overnight hikes in the Park : Area Route Grade Status North Franklin Rd to / from Waitawheta hut Easy Existing North Franklin Rd to / from Dalys Clearing hut Easy Existing North East Woodland Rd or Lindermann Rd to / from Waitawheta hut Medium Existing Waiorongomai Wairongomai valley to / from new Mangakino Medium Planned Hut Waiorongomai Wairongomai valley to / from Waitawheta Hut via existing tracks or incorporating the Pylon Peak Track Waiorongomai / Central Central Waiorongomai Valley Pylon Peak Kaimai Ridgeway - Te Rereatukahia Hut Kaimai Ridgeway Tuahu West Loop involving Te Rereatukahia Hut Kaimai Ridgeway Tuahu E etc from either Medium Existing / Under Construction Hard Existing / Under Construction Medium Existing Version 2.2 Page 25 of 26 11 th November, 2015

Area Route Grade Status Wharawhara or Hot Springs Rd Central A number of road ends to / from Motutapere Medium Existing Hut Central / Wairere Thompsons Track E or W to / from Kauritatahi Hut Medium Existing - Thompsons Track is a mess Wairere Poupou / Aongatete access points Kaimai Medium Planned Ridgeway to / from new Thompsons Hut Wairere Poupou / Aongatete / Wairere Falls access Medium Planned points Kaimai Ridgeway to / from new Kaimai Hut South Te Tuhi to / from Mangamuka Hut Medium Existing South Te Tuhi / Whakamarama / Ngamuwahine Rd / Medium Planned Henderson Tracks / Kaimai Ridgeway to / from new Ngamuwahine Hut South Various road ends to / from Hurunui hut Easy Existing 11.3 Multi Day Hike Options Some existing and planned multi day hikes in the Park : Area Route Grade Status All Kaimai Ridgeway via SH29 Hurunui hut Ngamuwahine Hut Kaimai Hut Thompsons Hut Te Rereatukahia Hut Wharawhara Waitawheta Hut Mangakino track Dickeys Flat Karangahake Gorge 7 days (Medium) 5 days (Hard) Existing / Planned All Wairere / Central / North Kaimai Ridgeway via SH29 Hurunui hut Ngamuwahine Hut Kaimai Hut Te Henga Ridge Kauritatahi Hut / Thompsons Hut Te Rereatukahia Hut Kaimai Ridgeway Mangakino Hut Dickeys Flat Karangahake Gorge OR Mt Karangahake Kaimai Ridgeway via Wairere Falls Thompsons Hut Te Rereatukahia Hut Kaimai Ridgeway Mangakino Hut Mt Karangahake Karangahake Gorge 7 days (Medium) 5 days (Hard) Medium Hard 4 Days All Other Variations supporting 3+ day trips Medium - Hard Existing / Planned / Investigate Planned Existing / Planned / Investigate Version 2.2 Page 26 of 26 11 th November, 2015