Day Three - Whakapapaiti Hut to Whakapapa Village

Whakapapaiti Hut to Whakapapaiti Village

Time: 3.5 hours

Distance: 7.5 kms

Moderate: A short day, initially along a wide river bed, followed by a long section through forest with a number of river crossings.

The track back to Whakapapa continues alongside the Whakapapaiti Stream. 15 minutes from the hut, the stream has to be crossed. The stream is quite wide, so pick a good safe spot to cross.

The track then continues along the true left of the stream. 45 minutes from the hut a junction with the track to Mangahuia Campsite and Highway 47 is reached. Follow the track to Whakapapa Village across a footbridge.

15 minutes later the track crosses second footbridge over the Whakapapaiti Stream and leads into New Zealand bush. In the forest there are several fine examples of New Zealand mistletoe and mountain cabbage trees.

After two to three hours Whakapapa Village is finally reached.