3237 - Whirinaki Loop - 17th-19th April 2026
This track is a 3-day/2-nights trip starting and finishing at the River Road Carpark. The Whirinaki Forest is truly a lovely forest to explore and one is guaranteed to see whoi.
Nights will be at Huts but, a tent would be recommended or, at least a sleeping mat, as these Huts can be popular.
Day 1 - Early departure from Hamilton (time to be decided) to Carpark. Walk River Road Carpark to Central Whirinaki Hut (25 beds), 5hrs. We pass Vern's Shelter. It is a well graded track to the Hut following the Whirinaki River.
Day 2 - Central Whirinaki Hut to Mangamate Hut (9 beds), 4hrs. The track is still a good tramping track but not as well graded as day one. There will be some river crossing.
Day 3 - Mangamate Hut to River Road Carpark, 4hrs. The first few hours is mainly crossing/walking down the Mangamate River - hopefully the level is nice and low!
If the river level is low, this is a nice River to follow (have done it in the past).
Apart from day 1 being a long day due to the travelling, the next two days are comfortable days of around 4hrs.
NOTE: This trip will be dependant on any rainy weather prior to the trip as the Mangamate River will be unsuitable to walk and cross thru.
This trip departs Hamilton on Friday 17 April 26, early morning.