Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
able weather. Visitors should be prepared for cold, wet spells even at the height of summer,
as well as rising river levels. In summer, trampers can generally expect regular spells of
fine, dry weather.
MAPS & BROCHURES
The Whirinaki Track is covered by NZTopo50 BG38 (Wairapukao), with the remainder of
the park covered by BG39 (Ruatahuna). DOC's brochure Walks in Whirinaki Forest details
walks of varying lengths, from 15 minutes to five days.
HUTS & CAMPING
Central Whirinaki Hut is a Serviced hut ( www.doc.govt.nz; $15) with heating, but no cooking
facilities. All other huts in the park are Standard huts ( www.doc.govt.nz; $5) .
Free camping is permitted throughout the park. In addition, there are two Backcountry
campsites ( www.doc.govt.nz; free) south of Minginui: Sanctuary and Mid Okahu. To the north
of Minginui, Mangamate Waterfall campsite is a Standard campsite ( www.doc.govt.nz; $6) in
an excellent location on the banks of the Whirinaki River, overlooking the beautiful water-
fall.
INFORMATION SOURCES
DOC Murupara Visitor Centre ( Click here ) , 1.8km south of Murupara centre, sells hut tick-
ets, maps, books and brochures about the forest park's tracks. You can also leave your inten-
tions here.
GUIDED TRAMPS
Walking Legends ( 07-312 5297; www.walkinglegends.com ) provides guiding services in
Whirinaki Te Pua a Tane Conservation Park, as does Te Urewera Treks ( 07-366 6055,
0800 873 937; www.teureweratreks.co.nz ) .
8 Towns & Facilities
The former sawmilling town of Minginui is just a dot on the map, less than 7km from the
northern entrances to the forest park. Typical of small-town NZ, however, it manages to
provide sufficient services and hospitality to make wilderness adventures possible.
A couple of outfits provide affordable, homely accommodation with shuttle services as a
sideline. Jailhouse ( 07-366 3311; www.jailhousefarmstay.co.nz; 283 Minginui Road; s/d $95, $20
per extra person) offers self-contained farmstay accommodation and transport to the northern
end of Whirinaki Te Pua a Tane Conservation Park; continental breakfast is available by re-
Search WWH ::




Custom Search