A loop of two halves – one half lowland forest, the other mossy riverbed.

This beautiful day walk can be tackled in either direction but is best done counter-clockwise. It should be attempted only in dry weather and not immediately after any significant rain. 

From the car park, walk up the road north towards the track entrance. After 500m, climb the barrier on the left and go down a marked track to the Ohaupara Stream and follow the orange track markers along the stream’s true right bank. The stream may need to be crossed, so take care as the rocks are extremely slippery.

After 400m, exit on the true right and sidle – sometimes scramble – along the slope to a small side stream. It’s then a steady climb for 250m, under an impressive bluff and overhang, to the ridge top. Follow this for 1.2km through mature trees until the track turns south, drops into a valley with a small stream and climbs back out. This is one of only a few areas of the Mamaku Plateau that hasn’t been logged, and there is a real mix of trees, abundant birdlife and, depending on the season, impressive and colourful fungi. Keep a close eye on the orange markers in the dense vegetation.

Descend approximately 400m to the Mangorewa River via a moderate slope followed by a last, short scramble to the riverbed.

Mangorewa River is relatively shallow but it has steep banks and thick bush on either side. The rest of the walk is in the riverbed, which is entered on the true left. Walking poles will be useful as it can be extremely slippery. The water is rarely more than knee deep, but you will need to edge around some channels and pools. Sometimes it’s possible to stay out of the water for short sections. 

As you head downstream, keep an eye out for springs. One, on the edge of the left bank within the first 500m, can be up to a metre high depending on the flow; it’s like a natural drinking fountain.
Keep following the large intermittent orange triangles. After about 4km in the riverbed, the track exit appears on the true right just before the road bridge. It leads back to the car park.