Last updated October 2026
The Hauhungaroa Track is a three-day traverse of the Hauhungaroa Range in Pureora Forest Park, from Link Road to the Mangakahu Valley Road end. It begins on the track to Mount Pureora, drops to Bog Inn Hut, then crosses Mt Weraroa and follows the Waihāhā River and the crest of the range past Waihāhā Hut and Hauhungaroa Hut.
DOC grades it Advanced and gives section times of up to 8 hr 30 min a day. It is a mix of route and tramping track, and DOC lists the NZTopo50 map sheets that cover it. Link Road is about 40 km from Taupō.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Hauhungaroa 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
- About 14 km along Link Road (car park on the opposite side of the road)
- Finish
- Mangakahu Valley Road end
- Distance from the city
- about 40 km from Taupō
- Walking time
- 3 days
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- Dogs with DOC permit (hunting)
- Huts
- Waihāhā Hut and Hauhungaroa Hut (DOC huts), plus Bog Inn Hut
- Maps
- NZTopo50 sheets BF35, BG34 and BG35
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Hauhungaroa Track
The Hauhungaroa Track traverses the Hauhungaroa Range in Pureora Forest Park. It starts on the track up Mount Pureora from Link Road.
Over three days you pass three huts, cross Mt Weraroa, follow the Waihāhā River upstream and walk the crest of the range past Mt Motere before dropping to the Mangakahu Valley.
Track Sections
Link Road to Bog Inn Hut (3 hr 30 min)
Head up the Link Road track towards Mount Pureora, then descend one of the mountain’s southern ridges to Bog Inn Hut.
Bog Inn Hut to Waihāhā Hut (8 hr 30 min)
Skirt around the bog and climb the ridge to Mt Weraroa (3 hr). The track then turns east with a steep descent to the Waihora Track junction (1 hr 30 min), and carries on to Waihāhā Hut (4 hr).
Waihāhā Hut to Hauhungaroa Hut (7 hr)
Continue upstream on the true left of the Waihāhā River. Just south of Te Awaiti Stream, the track turns south-west and climbs onto the crest of the Hauhungaroa Range, then follows the crest south to Hauhungaroa Hut.
Hauhungaroa Hut to Mangakahu Valley Road (2 hr 30 min)
The crest continues south past Mt Motere, and the track then descends to the road end at the head of the Mangakahu Valley.
Preparation and Safety
This is a multi-day backcountry trip with long days, so you need to be self-sufficient. Carry the NZTopo50 maps DOC lists (BF35, BG34 and BG35), warm and waterproof gear, and a distress beacon.
Because the track ends at a different road from where it starts, arrange transport at both ends. Check DOC before you go, tell someone your plans, and use Plan My Walk to prepare. Check the DOC hut pages for hut details.
Getting There
Leave State Highway 30 at Maraeroa Road and follow Barryville Road and then Link Road; the track starts about 14 km along Link Road. Park across the road from the track entrance; DOC notes the track on the same side as the car park is a different track.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for the Pureora Forest Park area, listed under the Timber Trail: “Barryville Bridge is under assessment and repair – reduce your speed, and take care. Consider using western Barryville road entrance off SH30.”
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Hauhungaroa 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: huts, 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 does the Hauhungaroa Track take?
DOC gives 3 days. Section times range from 2 hr 30 min to 8 hr 30 min.
How hard is it?
It is graded Advanced and includes route sections, steep descents and long days.
Where does it start and finish?
It starts about 14 km along Link Road and finishes at the Mangakahu Valley Road end, so you need transport at both ends.
Which huts are on the track?
Bog Inn Hut, Waihāhā Hut and Hauhungaroa Hut.
Which maps do I need?
DOC lists NZTopo50 sheets BF35, BG34 and BG35.
Are dogs allowed?
Only with a DOC permit, for hunting.
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.