Waikato Whirinaki Track

Several variations of moderate to fit walks are possible but this note basically covers walking from the car park on Plateau Road in the forest area to Minginui via the Central Whirinaki Hut and the “cave”. This is a long walk of 26+km and has to be tackled at a relatively hard pace to ensure reaching the goal well before dark since there is still a long drive back to Taupo from Minginui via Murupara and Rainbow Mountain on SH5. Access to the starting point on Plateau Road is not too easy so use of the map or, better, someone who knows the way acting as a guide is essential. A good tramp to do a swap-over using two vehicles but plan well as communications limited via cellphone.

Last updated Jan 2013

Start Point: Easting 1915899 Northing 5696724