Waikato Urchin to Waipakihi River

A moderate + walk of 8-14km about 4–6 hours depending on whether the Trig Point of Urchin is the target, or if the walk is extended along the ridge to the junction for Waipakihi / Umukarikari. Then the choice is to descend into the Waipakihi Valley or go to the end of the Urchin ridge to the new link track to Umukarikari. The first and last options entail about 13-15km distance with over 1000m ascent on the Waipakihi option. On a windy day this is a very exposed tramp and care must be taken but, if clear, the views are worth it. The track is good all the way with no “tricky” or “technical” bits and suitable for all trampers apart from the descent / re-ascent to the Waipakihi.

Last updated July 2015