Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
dam was proposed at Atene that would have flooded the river valley almost as far as Tau-
marunui). Expect great views across the national park.
From the Viewpoint Walk you can continue along the circular 18km Atene Skyline
Track. The track takes six to eight hours, showcasing native forest, sandstone bluffs and
the
Taumata Trig
(523m), with its broad views as far as Mt Ruapehu, Mt Taranaki and the
Tasman Sea. The track ends back on the Whanganui River Rd, 2km downstream from the
starting point.
Matemateaonga Track
Three to four days from end to end, the 42km Matemateaonga Track gets kudos as one of
NZ's best walks. Probably due to its remoteness, it doesn't attract the hordes of trampers
that amass on NZ's more famous tracks. Penetrating deep into wild bush and hill country,
it follows the crest of the Matemateaonga Range along the route of the Whakaihuwaka
Rd, started in 1911 to create a more direct link from Stratford to the railway at Raetihi.
WWI interrupted planning and the road was never finished.
On a clear day, a 1½-hour side trip to the top of
Mt Humphries
(730m) rewards you with
sigh-inducing views all the way to Mt Taranaki and the volcanoes of Tongariro. There's a
steep section between the Whanganui River (75m above sea level) and the Puketotara Hut
(427m above sea level), but mostly it's easy walking. There are four DOC backcountry
huts along the way: Omaru (eight bunks), Pouri (12 bunks), Ngapurua (10 bunks) and
Puketotara (12 bunks); hut tickets cost $15 per person per night. There's road access at the
track's western end.
TRAMPING
Mangapurua/Kaiwhakauka Track
The Mangapurua/Kaiwhakauka Track is a 40km trail between Whakahoro and the
Mangapurua Landing, both on the Whanganui River. The track runs along the
Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka Streams (both Whanganui River tributaries). Between
these valleys a side track leads to the 663m
Mangapurua Trig
, the area's highest point, from
which cloudless views extend to the Tongariro and Egmont National Park volcanoes. The
route also passes the Bridge to Nowhere (
Click here
)
. Walking the track takes 20 hours
(three to four days). The Whakahoro Bunkroom at the Whakahoro end of the track is the
only hut ($10), but there's plenty of good camping (free to $10). There's road access to
the track both at the Whakahoro end and from a side track from the end of the Ruatiti Val-
ley-Ohura Rd (from Raetihi).
TRAMPING
