Ohura

A modern New Zealand country lifestyle

Tatu to Te Rerepahupahu Falls
4.5 hour hike

This track is only recommended for fit and experienced trampers. This is the longest of the Waitaanga Forest walks and is an overnight trip.

The route starts from Mt Damper Falls car park on the Okau Rd with picnic facilities and toilets located a short distance away. The 15min walk to Mt Damper Falls (74m) is well marked and leads to the lookout platform.

From the falls follow the signpost , then white poles to the stile and entrance to the Waitaanga Forest. Follow the disc markers to the left There are extensive views over the Waitaanga Forest to the Kotare Scenic Reserve in the north .

After 1.5hrs the track climbs a small spur through regenerating kamahi, reaching the main ridge 30mins later. The track then enters tawa forest interspersed with mature rimu and rata. You reach Mt Damper after 2.5 - 3hrs.

The summit marker (528m) is on a side ridge to the left of the track. After 6hrs the track descends to the Waitaanga River Valley. South from the ridge are views of the beech forest in the Tatu track region .

After a further 30mins, the track comes to the edge of a high bluff with a view of one of the last remaining unlogged mixed podocarp forests in Taranaki. The descent to the river valley and the walk to Te Rerepahupahu Falls takes 1 hr. There is a clearing beside the falls which can be used for camping.

There are no other facilities. The next day, from the campsite. you can return to Mt Damper Falls car park (7.5hrs), or with prior transport arrangement:

(a) continue out to Tatu Mine/Waro Rd entrance (4hrs).

(b) continue out to Waitaanga South Rd (4hrs

The entrance to this route is on Waro Rd off SH43 (In dry weather it is possible to drive the 5km to the Tatu Mine ).

White poles mark the route up the ridge to the bush line and on through the regenerating kamahi forest There are good views towards Taumarunui. After 1 hr the track reaches the main ridge and Tatu trig (606m).

The track then follows a ridge line above the Tangarakau River. Mature rimu rise above the tawa canopy. The track enters an open beech forest before descending steeply to the junction of the Waitaanga Stream and Tangarakau River.

A swing bridge spans the Tangarakau River and the track then heads upstream, beside the Waitaanga Stream, to Te Rerepahupahu Falls and the campsite. From the campsite you can return to Waro Rd (4hrs), or with prior transport arrangements:

(a) continue out to Waitaanga SouthRd (4hrs)

(b) continue out to Mt. Damper Falls car park (7.5hrs)

Mt. Damper to Te Rerepahupahu Falls

Route (7.5 - 9hrs )