3184 Waikawau Track to Leitch’s Clearing

We will travel to Waikawau leaving Hamilton early Saturday morning (approx. 1.40hr drive).    We begin the trip following the Waikawau Track, a mix of 4WD and mapped bush track most of the day and then link on to the Mangatoa Track and on to Leitch’s Clearing where we will stay the night at Leitch’s Hut.  It is expected to take around 7 hours.  To date we know most of the track is clear, but there are potentially some sections that may require a bit of bush bashing, so it would be prudent to take long gaiters.  We expect to know a bit more about these sections before the trip.

Located in the Whareorino Conservation Area there is some wonderful fauna and flora to enjoy. The track clearing trip team reported seeing native bats at their campsite, along with hearing calls from Kiwi and Bellbirds.

Depending on our arrangements with our driver we would look to be dropped off at the Waikawau end and picked up having done the loop out via Mahoenui or Leitch’s Track.  This is yet to be confirmed closer to the time.

Given this trip is getting into late May it is advisable to take a sleeping mat (i.e. a warm one with a good R value) as it can get quite cold in the hut at night.