Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The track leaves the bay, climbs to a low saddle in the Te Kopua headland and descends
to Te Totara Bay. It then passes
Patekaha Island
, no longer a true island, and hugs the
shoreline, which is dotted by a number of small sandy beaches. It's 1.5km from the island to
Waiharuru Hut (40 bunks), a two-hour walk from Marauiti Hut. This is largest hut on the
track, with a deck with lake views. Next to it is the Waiharuru Campsite.
The track swings inland to cross Waiharuru Stream, then returns to the shoreline and
climbs over a saddle, returning to the lakeshore at Tapuaenui Bay in the Whanganui Inlet,
1½ hours from Waiharuru Hut. Tapuaenui Campsite is located here. For the next hour fol-
low the shoreline (with a short diversion up Tapuaenui Stream) until it reaches Whanganui
Hut, on a grassy flat between two streams, close to a nice beach.
The last leg of the trip begins with a scenic walk around the lakeshore and through a short
section of bush to the
Waihoroihika Stream
. Once across the bridge, the track continues up
through the grassy flats on the northwestern side of the Hopuruahine Stream to a point op-
posite the access road. Thanks to a swing bridge, trampers no longer have to ford the river
or endure an extra 30-minute walk to a road bridge on SH38.
Camping is allowed along the access road, and there are usually a few tents and caravans
among the grassy sites because the Hopuruahine Stream and its mouth are popular fishing
spots. It's 1km up the gravel access road to SH38 if you haven't arranged for a water taxi or
shuttle collection from Hopuruahine Landing.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Ruapani Circuit
Duration
2 days
Distance
24km (15 miles)
Track Standard
Tramping track
Difficulty
Easy to moderate
Start/End
Aniwaniwa
Nearest Towns
Wairoa (
Click here
)
, Murupara (
Click here
)
Transport
None required
Summary
Conveniently setting off and finishing at the National Park DOC Visitor Centre,
this fascinating loop takes in a dense forest pocked with wetlands, and a beautiful hidden
lake dotted with islands.
