Bay of Plenty Wairere Falls and Puketutu Hut

The walk is best described as moderate plus with an almost non-stop, unrelenting climb from the word go till the crest above the top of the Wairere waterfall is reached. Most of this path is well groomed, not overly steep and there are several sections of steps and ladders, with platforms, large rocks and boardwalks. Once at the top the terrain is, at first, a well nigh level plain which can be boggy at times. The Wairere then the North tracks are followed and to reach the Puketutu Hut there is a small, poorly marked track branching off near an animal gravesite. This track takes about an hour with a slight grunt uphill. Being an out-and-back walk one can turn back at any time but the full walk requires 4 hours outwards and about 3 hours return. The final descent can be made “exciting” if the old Maori Trail down is followed – not recommended for the wary or unfit.

Last updated April 2008

Start Point: Easting 1852263 Northing 5819466