Last updated October 2026
The Waipakihi Middle Range Route is a short, steep access route in Kaimanawa Forest Park from Waipakihi Hut in the upper Waipakihi valley to the Middle Range tops. It drops to the Waipakihi River, follows markers downstream, then climbs a steep ridge through the bush to the bush line at around 1300 m and on to a high point of 1475 m. DOC grades it Expert and allows 1 hour.
The route ends at the high point, with no formal tracks beyond, so it suits only experienced trampers and hunters with good navigation skills.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for deer management operations by the NZ Game Animal Council and Sika Foundation on the true left of the Waipakihi River and in the Kaimanawa Remote Experience Zone between 20 October and 6 December 2026. The area is about 50 km from Taupō.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Waipakihi Middle Range 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
- Waipakihi Hut (reached via the Umukarikari Track, Waipakihi Valley or Urchin Track)
- Distance from the city
- about 50 km from Taupō
- Walking time
- 1 hr
- Track length
- 820 m
- Grade
- Expert
- Dogs
- Dogs with DOC permit (hunting)
- Track type
- Route
- Hut
- Waipakihi Hut (DOC hut)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (deer management operations in the area, 20 October to 6 December 2026). Check DOC before you go.
About Waipakihi Middle Range Route
This is a way up, not a destination in itself. From Waipakihi Hut, follow the track down to the Waipakihi River, then the markers downstream to the bush edge. The route then climbs a steep ridge through the bush, reaching the bush line at around 1300 m before continuing up to a high point at 1475 m.
That high point is where the route ends. DOC says there are no formal tracks or routes beyond it on the Middle Range tops, so if you carry on across the tops you will need to navigate yourself.
DOC says the route is only suitable for experienced trampers and hunters with good navigational skills and the right equipment, including a map and compass or GPS.
Current Alert: Deer Control
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC reported that the NZ Game Animal Council and the Sika Foundation would be carrying out deer management operations on the true left of the Waipakihi River and in the Kaimanawa Remote Experience Zone between 20 October and 6 December 2026. For more information, contact the Game Animal Council. Check the DOC page for the latest before you go.
Conditions and Preparation
DOC warns that the park’s weather is extremely changeable. It advises being prepared for cold, wet conditions even in summer, and says frosts and snow are likely on high ground throughout the year. Annual rainfall is around 3500 mm.
The park is remote, with rough tramping tracks, and DOC says it is best suited to experienced trampers with river crossing, navigation and backcountry skills. There is no mobile coverage in many parts of the park, so always carry a distress beacon.
Check the fire danger before lighting any fire, and use a portable stove where you can. Tell someone your plans and use Plan My Walk to prepare.
Getting There
The route begins at Waipakihi Hut, a DOC hut in the upper Waipakihi valley. DOC lists the Umukarikari Track, the Waipakihi Valley and the Urchin Track as access routes to the hut; see their DOC pages for road ends and times.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Waipakihi Middle Range 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: Kaimanawa Forest Park: huts, access tracks, hunting information and alerts for 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 Waipakihi Middle Range Route take?
DOC allows 1 hour from Waipakihi Hut to the high point at 1475 m.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Expert. It climbs a steep ridge through the bush, and there are no formal tracks beyond the high point.
Where does it start?
At Waipakihi Hut in the upper Waipakihi valley, reached via the Umukarikari Track, the Waipakihi Valley or the Urchin Track.
Can I continue across the Middle Range tops?
Only if you can navigate yourself. DOC says there are no formal tracks or routes beyond the end of the route.
Are there any current alerts?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for deer management operations on the true left of the Waipakihi River and in the Kaimanawa Remote Experience Zone from 20 October to 6 December 2026.
Are dogs allowed?
Only with a DOC permit, for hunting.
What should I carry?
A map and compass or GPS, warm and waterproof clothing, and a distress beacon, as there is no mobile coverage in many parts of the park.
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