The track follows the Whirinaki River to a junction, where the track splits towards Managamate Hut or continues on to Whirinaki Central.

A few kilometres from here is Vern’s Camp, a former track cutters, camp which includes an open A-frame structure with two beds and mattresses, a fireplace, sinks and plenty of cooking space.

If you started late in the day, spend the night here before continuing on to the hut the following day.

Whirinaki Forest is virtually untouched thanks to conservationist David Bellamy and a group of environmentalists who campaigned to save the forest from being logged in the 1980s. At the time of the campaign, the locals were concerned that without logging they,d have no income, but were told that eco-tourism would make up for it. It didn’t and though the forest is under-utilised it is popular with local hunters and trampers.

The track continues to follow the river for 7.2km to the 24-bunk Central Whirinaki Hut.