Last updated October 2026
The Ketemaringi Route climbs to Ketemaringi Trig in Pureora Forest Park, then descends a ridge to Totara Stream Road. DOC grades it Expert and gives a time of 5 hours.
The climb to the trig takes about 1 hour, and DOC says it is a further 1 hour walk from Totara Stream Road to the car park at the Totara Stream crossing. It starts at the end of Ketemaringi Road, reached from Waimiha via Ongarue Stream Road and Okauaka Road. The start is about 47 km from Taupō.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Ketemaringi Route 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
- End of Ketemaringi Road, via Waimiha
- Finish
- Totara Stream crossing car park, on Totara Stream Road
- Distance from the city
- about 47 km from Taupō
- Walking time
- 5 hr
- Grade
- Expert
- Dogs
- Dogs with DOC permit (hunting)
- Track type
- Route
- Map
- NZTopo50 sheet BG34
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Ketemaringi Route
The Ketemaringi Route is a steady climb to a trig in Pureora Forest Park, reached from Waimiha. From the end of Ketemaringi Road, the route climbs steadily for about an hour to Ketemaringi Trig.
From the trig it turns south and descends easily down a ridge, coming out on Totara Stream Road. From there it is a further hour’s walk along the road to the car park at the Totara Stream crossing.
As the start and finish are at different places, arrange transport or plan the extra distance back.
Preparation and Safety
Carry NZTopo50 map sheet BG34, which DOC lists for this route, along with a compass, warm and waterproof clothing, food and water. Check DOC before you go, tell someone your plans, and use Plan My Walk to prepare.
Getting There
The route begins where Ketemaringi Road ends. Make your way to Waimiha from State Highway 4 or State Highway 30, take Ongarue Stream Road for 9 km, then turn into Okauaka Road and stay on it to its end, where it meets Ketemaringi Road.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Ketemaringi Route: 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 Ketemaringi Route take?
DOC gives 5 hours. The climb to the trig takes about 1 hour, and the road walk from the ridge to the car park takes another hour.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Expert. It is a route rather than a formed track.
Where does it start?
At the end of Ketemaringi Road, reached from Waimiha via Ongarue Stream Road and Okauaka Road.
Where does it finish?
It comes out on Totara Stream Road, a further hour’s walk from the car park at the Totara Stream crossing.
Which map do I need?
DOC lists NZTopo50 sheet BG34.
Are dogs allowed?
Only with a DOC permit, for hunting.
Is the route open?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no current alerts for this route. Check the DOC page for current alerts before you go.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.