Last updated October 2026
The Arataki Track is a tramping track in Pureora Forest Park that starts with a suspension bridge over the Mangakino Stream, then follows the Arataki Stream through regenerating bush towards the base of Mt Titiraupenga. DOC notes abundant birdlife along the way.
The track runs between the Arataki Road end car park off State Highway 32 and the Titiraupenga Road and YMCA Road ends, and DOC grades it Advanced. The suspension bridge at the start has a one person maximum. The Arataki Road end is about 34 km from Taupō as the crow flies, and DOC gives the drive as 38 km.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Arataki Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOCTrack facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.
Practical Information
- Start
- Arataki Road end car park off State Highway 32 (Tihoi Road), or the Titiraupenga Road / YMCA Road end
- Distance from the city
- about 34 km from Taupō (38 km by road, according to DOC)
- Track length
- 4.85 km, return via same track
- Grade
- Advanced
- Track type
- Tramping track
- Dogs
- Dogs with a DOC permit only
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Arataki Track
The Arataki Track makes an entrance: it begins by crossing a suspension bridge over the Mangakino Stream. From there it follows the Arataki Stream through regenerating bush, where DOC says birdlife is abundant, heading towards the base of Mt Titiraupenga.
The track ends at the Titiraupenga Road and YMCA Road ends. About 7 km further along Titiraupenga Road is the Centre of the North Island Monument, and DOC’s Mount Titiraupenga Track page says that track joins the Arataki Track at a lookout just below the mountain’s summit rock.
DOC does not give a walking time, so allow plenty of time and check the DOC page before you set out.
Track Conditions and Safety
The suspension bridge at the start of the track has a one person maximum capacity, so cross one at a time. DOC’s Mount Titiraupenga Track page describes the Arataki Track as overgrown where the two tracks meet at the lookout. Check DOC before you go, tell someone your plans, and use Plan My Walk to prepare.
Getting There
The track starts at the Arataki Road end car park off State Highway 32 (Tihoi Road), 12 km south of Whakamaru Village. From Taupō, DOC says it is 38 km: follow Poihipi Road, then Pakonui Road and onto Arataki Road.
The other end, at the Titiraupenga Road and YMCA Road end, is reached via Link and Waimonoa roads. Link Road can be reached from State Highway 30 via Barryville Road, or from State Highway 32 via Kakaho Road, which turns into Link Road.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Arataki Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Pureora Forest Park: campsites, tracks and alerts across the park.
Plan My Walk: plan your trip, check the weather and track alerts, and share your plans with someone you trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Arataki Track?
DOC lists the track as 4.85 km, returning the same way. DOC does not give a walking time, so allow plenty of time.
How hard is the Arataki Track?
DOC grades it Advanced and classes it as a tramping track.
Where does it start?
At the Arataki Road end car park off State Highway 32, 12 km south of Whakamaru Village. It can also be walked from the Titiraupenga Road / YMCA Road end.
Is there a bridge crossing?
Yes. The track starts with a suspension bridge over the Mangakino Stream, which has a one person maximum.
What else is nearby?
The Centre of the North Island Monument is about 7 km further along Titiraupenga Road, and the Mt Titiraupenga Track links with the Arataki Track.
Is the track open?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no current alerts for this track. Check the DOC page for current alerts before you go.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.