Waikato Whakapapa Ridge and Silica Rapids

A fairly strenuous circular walk in the moderate category lasting four to five hours including breaks. It starts and ends at the Chateau in Whakapapa and can be lengthened or shortened at will. There are three routes that can be followed but at present only two of these are logged and described. Starting in Whakapapa the route goes up the Whakapapa ridge which lies to the NE of the Whakapapanui Stream. The stream is crossed then, with various options, the Bruce Road is reached after crossing the Waipuna Stream. From here it is possible to walk down the road but the better option is to slip off on to the track (WR21 1258masl) for Silica Rapids and get back to Whakapapa via the Silica and Golden Rapids. Much of the first half of this tramp is off-track whilst the track via the rapids takes a bit over an hour.

Last updated Nov 2010

Start Point: Easting 1819283 Northing 5657823