Ihaia Track to Waiaua Gorge Hut

Time: 2 hr 30 min to 3 hr 30 mins to the hut
Distance: 5.9 km

This track follows an old road that leads up to the remnants of the old Oanui Hut, before traversing across to Waiaua Gorge Hut, where there are spectacular views up the west side of the mountain.

A nice side trip is the 1 hr trip (1 way) to the Brames Falls lookout. A 30m high ladder leads down to the bottom of the gorge to cross the Waiaua River. This river is wide and prone to flooding.

Getting there: Access via Ihaia Road, Opunake.

Due to a washout, the track takes a new route. Around 500 m below the junction with the Oaonui Track junction, there is a short track into the Waiaua River.

Walk up the riverbed to reach the small spur to Waiaua Gorge Hut. Caution is required when walking up the Waiaua River riverbed due to loose debris. Allow up to an extra hour to your travel time. 

Kahui Track to Kahui Hut

Time:  2 hr 30 min to the hut
Distance: 5.9 km

There is limited car parking at the end of the road. The Kahui track was once an old road ascending the western slopes of the mountain to Kahui Hut, the oldest hut in the park. The Kahui holes can be found off to the side of this track. Very little is known about these holes that are circular and up to 7m deep, although it has been suggested they were used by local Maori to store bones.

Getting there: Access is via Kahui Road, off  SH45 at Rahotu.

Puniho Track to Kahui Hut

Time: 3 hr to the hut
Distance: 7 km

This track is a good entrance point for the Stony River, joining with the Stony River track to Bells Falls. It also connects with the Lower Around the Mountain Circuit

A good full day trip (8 hr return) is the Puniho Track to Stony River and on to Bells Falls. The track walks along the true left of the river. Look carefully for track markers and be prepared to get wet feet when crossing tributary streams. Be aware this is a large river that is prone to flash flooding.

Getting there: Access is from Puniho Road, via Wiremu Road, Okato.

The lower Stony River route from the Kapoiaia Track downstream to the Puniho Track is no longer accessible due to erosion. 

Be prepared for changeable weather

Weather on the mountain changes rapidly – you must be well prepared with suitable clothing and equipment for all weather and conditions.

Snow, high rainfall and storm damage can make tracks impassable – many rivers and streams are unbridged.

Check the Egmont National Park weather forecast before you go.