Nikau and Kotepato Track
Track category
Tramping track
Time:
5 hr
Description
These two tracks are accessed through private land. Both tracks follow rivers giving a scenic experience through native bush. There are good swimming holes and great fishing so take your time and enjoy. The gradient of track is easy but a good level of fitness is required for adults and children.
Nikau Flat Hut to Kotepato Hut
Time: 2 - 3 hr
From Nikau Flat Hut, continue north along the Waioeka River. About 1.5 hr north of the hut there is a track to the east that takes you on a 1 km detour up Te Pato Stream to Kotepato Hut.
Kotepato Hut to Wairata Road end
Time: 1 - 2 hr
From Kotepato Hut return to the Waioeka River and head downstream. The track turns into a 4WD road and reaches Redpath Rd after 4 km.
Redpath Road end to Kotepato Hut
Time: 2 - 3 hr one way
Follow the farm track to bush edge where you will cross the Waioeka River. From here the track follows the Te Pato stream taking about 30 min to reach the Kotepato Hut.
Redpath Road end to Nikau Hut
Time: 3 - 4 hr one way
Follow the farm track to the bush edge then a well benched track follows the Waioeka River on the true left finishing at the Nikau Hut on a grassy river flat.
Getting there
Travel halfway (42 km) through the Waioeka Gorge on SH 2 from Opotiki. Turn into Wairata Rd and travel for 2 km before turning right and crossing a bridge onto Redpath Rd. Continue down Redpath Rd until you reach the stockyards at the road end - park in the designated area.
Walk 1 - 2 hr across private farmland on a farm track before reaching the bush where signage will direct you to either tracks.
Activities
Fishing
There are excellent opportunities for trout fishing along the Waioeka River.
Hunting
There are also excellent opportunites for hunting.
Swimming
Take time to enjoy a swim in the Waioeka River - there are some good swimming holes alongside the track.