Aotea Track
Aotea Track
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SA0000001
Turangi, نيوزيلندا8 مساهمات
يونيو 2022
A fantastic 2 or 3-day tramp (hike) for the reasonably fit. We've just done this, mid-Winter, as a fairly out-of-shape 54-yr-old with an 11-yr-old novice (though very fit!) tramper, and had an amazing time. We did it "in reverse", which seems to be what most people do: start at Whangaparapara Rd, along Tramline Track and Forest Road to Kaiaraara Hut (day 1); then up 627m Hirakimata (Mt Hobson) and down to Mt Heale Hut (day 2); then out via Kaitoke hot pools (day 3).
Some key points that you won't find on the Department of Conservation website (if I'm allowed to mention their name by TripAdvisor), which the experienced won't need, but those unfamiliar with NZ tramping/this track might:
1. You probably don't need a map, because it's all so well signposted, but I would *always* take one, not least so you can see where you are and also what you're looking at: you can buy them in NZ -- it's hard to find out where, but unfortunately TripAdvisor won't let me share that info. (the map you want is in the series "Topo50", called "Claris"). (You can't rely on having signal to look at online maps, of course.) Also make sure to take water purification tablets with you: you're better to boil the water, but if you can't, these are sadly necessary -- Giardia is everywhere, it seems. And hand sanitiser is a good idea, both for the huts and as you'll be using the handrails on the stairs up and down Hirakimata. (Other commonsense things, like an emergency reflective blanket, toilet paper, etc. are listed on the DOC web pages.)
2. Parts of the track are incredibly well maintained (almost at "walk in the park" level), especially Kaiaraara Hut to Hirakimata (Mt Hobson) and Kaitoke Hot Springs to the road. For these parts, you could do the walk in cross trainers at any time of the year, even in the wet. Bear in mind, however, that there are *a lot* of stairs (especially up and down Hirakimata -- from the Upper Dam on the Kaiaraara Stream to the saddle between Hirakimata & Mt Heale), so it requires a good deal of stamina -- not for the unfit. The steepest stairs do mostly have handrails, which will save your knees quite a bit! The rest of the track is a little more weather-dependent: there are quite a few slippery bits coming down the Peach Tree Track from Mt Heale Hut, and one (small) stream crossing. This part of the track is also more exposed: I wouldn't choose to do it in heavy rain/strong wind if I could avoid it. Trainers are still okay in dry weather; otherwise, hiking shoes will be more likely to save your dignity. The same goes for some bits of the Tramline Track and Forest Road -- a metalled (stony) road with exposed clay in parts. Overall though, this felt like a "Great Walks" track in terms of the level of maintenance/ease of the paths and the excellent signposting. The one thing I really would take is a walking pole or two!
3. The time estimates on the DOC pages either don't take account of breaks or are drawn up for fit 20-50-year olds. We added an hour or so to each leg of the journey with detours and breaks for snacks, lunch, etc. In Winter in particular, I would advise allowing at least an extra hour in your calculations -- and bear in mind that it gets dark in the forest far earlier than it does in the open.
4. Both huts (which you need to book in advance, esp. in Summer) are well equipped with pots and pans, and both have gas burners -- you don't need to bring a portable stove or pots. You *will* need a torch/torches, as electric light is very limited -- head torch is best. Each hut has two sleeping cabins off the main kitchen/dining room, with an upper and lower platform and 5-7 vinyl-covered mattresses on each. As ever, if you want choice of "beds", arrive early. (We didn't need to worry, as mid-Winter during the week there was very low demand.)
4. I see other people complain about the Forest Road as not a "proper" hike. We liked it because of all the bits off to the side to look at: the Aotea Falls (with a nice pool for a quick dip); Maungapiko, with its views of the Hogs Back; the magnificent stand of large-ish kauris (see photo); and the clear view in the distance of the route down from Hirakimata to Mt Heale Hut (we could even see the hut).
5. For anyone taking kids: you might want to forewarn them that the toilets are all long drops... On the plus side (and again, very unusual for NZ tramping tracks), there are toilets (with toilet paper!) at various points not connected to huts: e.g. near the hot springs, and at the intersection of Kaiaraara Track and Coopers Castle Track.
6. If you don't want to do overnight stays, can move fairly fast, and can manage more than 4-5 hours comfortably, there are various alternative routes that take you from road to road, and still over Hirakimata -- check the Topo map that is freely available online for routes: https://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap?v=2&ll=-36.212889,175.401964&z=14
Some key points that you won't find on the Department of Conservation website (if I'm allowed to mention their name by TripAdvisor), which the experienced won't need, but those unfamiliar with NZ tramping/this track might:
1. You probably don't need a map, because it's all so well signposted, but I would *always* take one, not least so you can see where you are and also what you're looking at: you can buy them in NZ -- it's hard to find out where, but unfortunately TripAdvisor won't let me share that info. (the map you want is in the series "Topo50", called "Claris"). (You can't rely on having signal to look at online maps, of course.) Also make sure to take water purification tablets with you: you're better to boil the water, but if you can't, these are sadly necessary -- Giardia is everywhere, it seems. And hand sanitiser is a good idea, both for the huts and as you'll be using the handrails on the stairs up and down Hirakimata. (Other commonsense things, like an emergency reflective blanket, toilet paper, etc. are listed on the DOC web pages.)
2. Parts of the track are incredibly well maintained (almost at "walk in the park" level), especially Kaiaraara Hut to Hirakimata (Mt Hobson) and Kaitoke Hot Springs to the road. For these parts, you could do the walk in cross trainers at any time of the year, even in the wet. Bear in mind, however, that there are *a lot* of stairs (especially up and down Hirakimata -- from the Upper Dam on the Kaiaraara Stream to the saddle between Hirakimata & Mt Heale), so it requires a good deal of stamina -- not for the unfit. The steepest stairs do mostly have handrails, which will save your knees quite a bit! The rest of the track is a little more weather-dependent: there are quite a few slippery bits coming down the Peach Tree Track from Mt Heale Hut, and one (small) stream crossing. This part of the track is also more exposed: I wouldn't choose to do it in heavy rain/strong wind if I could avoid it. Trainers are still okay in dry weather; otherwise, hiking shoes will be more likely to save your dignity. The same goes for some bits of the Tramline Track and Forest Road -- a metalled (stony) road with exposed clay in parts. Overall though, this felt like a "Great Walks" track in terms of the level of maintenance/ease of the paths and the excellent signposting. The one thing I really would take is a walking pole or two!
3. The time estimates on the DOC pages either don't take account of breaks or are drawn up for fit 20-50-year olds. We added an hour or so to each leg of the journey with detours and breaks for snacks, lunch, etc. In Winter in particular, I would advise allowing at least an extra hour in your calculations -- and bear in mind that it gets dark in the forest far earlier than it does in the open.
4. Both huts (which you need to book in advance, esp. in Summer) are well equipped with pots and pans, and both have gas burners -- you don't need to bring a portable stove or pots. You *will* need a torch/torches, as electric light is very limited -- head torch is best. Each hut has two sleeping cabins off the main kitchen/dining room, with an upper and lower platform and 5-7 vinyl-covered mattresses on each. As ever, if you want choice of "beds", arrive early. (We didn't need to worry, as mid-Winter during the week there was very low demand.)
4. I see other people complain about the Forest Road as not a "proper" hike. We liked it because of all the bits off to the side to look at: the Aotea Falls (with a nice pool for a quick dip); Maungapiko, with its views of the Hogs Back; the magnificent stand of large-ish kauris (see photo); and the clear view in the distance of the route down from Hirakimata to Mt Heale Hut (we could even see the hut).
5. For anyone taking kids: you might want to forewarn them that the toilets are all long drops... On the plus side (and again, very unusual for NZ tramping tracks), there are toilets (with toilet paper!) at various points not connected to huts: e.g. near the hot springs, and at the intersection of Kaiaraara Track and Coopers Castle Track.
6. If you don't want to do overnight stays, can move fairly fast, and can manage more than 4-5 hours comfortably, there are various alternative routes that take you from road to road, and still over Hirakimata -- check the Topo map that is freely available online for routes: https://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap?v=2&ll=-36.212889,175.401964&z=14
كُتب بتاريخ 30 يونيو 2022
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Joy J
11 مساهمة
فبراير 2022
You do need to be fit - lots of steps to walk up and then walk down especially on the second day. Great views from the Mt Heale Hut and the second hut is near a lovely river to swim in
كُتب بتاريخ 1 فبراير 2022
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Kate S
ولينجتون, نيوزيلندا71 مساهمة
زوجان • فبراير 2021
Our flight got in at 12.30pm and we got an immediate transfer to Windy Canyon as this is a shorter track to Mt Heale hut. Great views made an interesting walk, and passes side track to Mt Hobson on the way. Heavy rainfall on day 2 meant we couldn't take South Fork track to Kaiaraara hut, as there are numerous stream crossings which would have been too swift to cross safely. Next hut was older and rather tired, but functional. The walk out to Green Campsite was the least interesting, along a disused forest road. We decided to return to do Kaitoke Hot Springs as a day trip rather than tramp extra 90mins on the last day. Beware if you have knee trouble, as there are so many steps up and down the steep inclines on day 1 and 2. Walking poles may help.
كُتب بتاريخ 20 فبراير 2021
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AucklandCedarchick
أوكلاند, نيوزيلندا101 مساهمة
يناير 2021
Just walked from Windy Canyon to Mt Hobson then down via Kaitoke hot springs and out at Whangaparapara Rd in 1 Day. Note that there are literally thousands of steps up and down which makes for a tough long day. The views from the top are great down to Tryphena Harbour and the regenerating native bush is still on the small side after all the giant kauris been milled in previous generations. Hot Springs were a real treat on way out from walk. Having never had issues with knees before I found this walk very tough and didn't enjoy so many stairs and found it tougher than any of the NZ Great Walks and Tongariro Crossing. The joy was having very few other people on the track other than our own group. Think it would have been better to have done this over 2 days or do a return trip from Windy Canyon to Mt Hobson and return and do a day walk into the Kaitohe hot springs that are only 45mins in from Whangaparapara Rd entry.
كُتب بتاريخ 19 يناير 2021
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Rachael E
نيوزيلندا24 مساهمة
ديسمبر 2020
I walked this in late December 2020. I walked from Whangaparapara Rd (Hot Springs entrance) to Kaiaraara Hut for the first night, then walked the South Fork Track to Mt Heale Hut, then walked out via Windy Canyon. We were dropped off at the Hot Springs entrance by mistake (one of our group told the shuttle driver we were walking to the wrong hut...) and it ended up being an incredibly long and draining first day (7+ hours). When we arrived at Kaiaraara Hut we dropped off our bags / claimed bunks, and then walked to Bush's Beach - about a 20 minute walk, but so worth it for the sun and a cool swim after a long days of walking.
The next two days were comparatively short, only 3-4 hours of walking on day 2 and 3. Day 2 via South Fork had some pleasant meandering along a riverbank (fording the stream several times) and then some demanding climbing to get to Mt Heale Hut, but the views there were breathtaking (especially the sunset). Since we got to the hut by about 2pm, we also decided to climb to the summit of Mt Hobson for an afternoon view - absolutely stunning, do not miss this lookout point! But it is over 1,000 stairs to get to the top, and you have to climb them again in the morning since the track then goes up and over Mt Hobson anyway. The wind at Mt Heale was extremely cold so highly recommend you take warm layers even in summer.
The walk out via Windy Canyon was a treat, there was undulating terrain which was tiring, but the traverse over hills and hills of flowering manuka covered in bees was so beautiful.
I would say that the hut facilities were a bit dirtier than any other Great Walk I've done. In particular the toilets at Mt Heale were so disgusting as to almost be a health hazard - lifting the lid of an almost-full long drop only to have 30 mosquitos fly straight out at me will be an unfortunately permanent memory. There were also smears of bodily substances on the walls... I think it clearly needs to be better resourced in the busy summer months. Other than the toilets, the kitchen and bunk rooms were a bit dusty / generally mucky, but there were plenty of pots and pans and were otherwise fine.
Overall the walk was thoroughly worth doing, some of the climbs were demanding but the views were spectacular.
The next two days were comparatively short, only 3-4 hours of walking on day 2 and 3. Day 2 via South Fork had some pleasant meandering along a riverbank (fording the stream several times) and then some demanding climbing to get to Mt Heale Hut, but the views there were breathtaking (especially the sunset). Since we got to the hut by about 2pm, we also decided to climb to the summit of Mt Hobson for an afternoon view - absolutely stunning, do not miss this lookout point! But it is over 1,000 stairs to get to the top, and you have to climb them again in the morning since the track then goes up and over Mt Hobson anyway. The wind at Mt Heale was extremely cold so highly recommend you take warm layers even in summer.
The walk out via Windy Canyon was a treat, there was undulating terrain which was tiring, but the traverse over hills and hills of flowering manuka covered in bees was so beautiful.
I would say that the hut facilities were a bit dirtier than any other Great Walk I've done. In particular the toilets at Mt Heale were so disgusting as to almost be a health hazard - lifting the lid of an almost-full long drop only to have 30 mosquitos fly straight out at me will be an unfortunately permanent memory. There were also smears of bodily substances on the walls... I think it clearly needs to be better resourced in the busy summer months. Other than the toilets, the kitchen and bunk rooms were a bit dusty / generally mucky, but there were plenty of pots and pans and were otherwise fine.
Overall the walk was thoroughly worth doing, some of the climbs were demanding but the views were spectacular.
كُتب بتاريخ 8 يناير 2021
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Ingrid V
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand17 مساهمة
أكتوبر 2020
Great overnight tramping. Left from Forest Road entrance and ended in Kaitoke Hot Springs. We stayed overnight at the Kaiaraara Hut. A lot of steps up and down to Mt Heale but well worth it. If I did it over three days (two nights) would go to Mt Heale Hut (explore Windy canyon without a pack) then to Kaiaraara Hut (either explore the area going to Fitzroy- without a pack) to Great Barrier Lodge (make sure you refresh yourself by the waterfall on the way, a cool dip)
كُتب بتاريخ 8 أكتوبر 2020
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Brad
13 مساهمة
مايو 2020
I did a variation of the Aotea Track at the end of May 2020. Stayed at the Great Barrier Lodge (highly recommended) at the start and end of the track. I highly recommend bringing along your hiking poles. It was pretty wet when I went, but it is pretty slippery clay so probably good to have them any time of the year. Entered near Green Campsite and did the Whitey Track (lots of ups and downs). Then joined the Forest Road towards Port Fitzroy. Turned off onto the South Fork Track. There had been a lot of rainfall when I went and I had to walk across the river about 7 times getting my boots nice and wet. So if you want to keep your feet dry do not go this way! The markers are a bit hard to find when you are walking in the river. Took about two hours as stated to get to Mt Heale Hut (I used to be pretty fast). Total time on the track walking about 6 hours. Great views at Mt Heale Hut. Propane burners provided but NO stove for heat. Nice new hut. On the second day walked down to the hot springs which were fab and then out to the road where I successfully hitch hiked back to the lodge. Great trip! Will do it again!
كُتب بتاريخ 1 يونيو 2020
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Christine P
Sorrento, أستراليا102 مساهمة
الأصدقاء • مارس 2019
Our decision to tramp the circuit ending with a relaxing bath in Kaitoke Hot Springs held us in good stead. This track has an incredible amount of steps it was tough but extremely rewarding. Suspension bridges, spectacular views and stairs lol. The huts were extremely well appointed clean and positioned in stunning locations. I would highly recommend this tramp/hike. The flight in with @flymysky was breathtaking re-enforcing my love affair with New Zealand
كُتب بتاريخ 16 مارس 2019
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NatMongeau
مونتريال, كندا4 مساهمات
زوجان • فبراير 2019
Nous n’avons fait que la courte marche vers le Windy Canyon. Il vente fort, c’est vrai. La forêt est merveilleuse et nous reviendrons pour faire toute la marche.
كُتب بتاريخ 12 فبراير 2019
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ココTKGちゃん
名古屋210 مساهمات
العائلة • يناير 2019
青々と茂った森の中を、また岩山を登っていきます。歩道は安全に整備されていて不安はありませんでした。とても涼しく心地よい風が吹いていて快適にトレッキングができました。３０分ほどのコースです。頂上からは絶景が広がっています。
كُتب بتاريخ 19 يناير 2019
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