Here’s a fun overnighter that goes through Mokai Station, on the eastern side of the Ruahine Range. 

Access to Mokai Station, in the Rangitikei River Valley east of Taihape, was closed by the landowner for five years, but has now been restored. To ensure it remains open, trampers must stick to the easement and not freedom walk over the private land.

A paper road, marked by white wooden posts, goes through stock paddocks as it climbs 750m to the top of the Mōkai Pātea Range. This is still on private land. The view from the top is down on the forested Maropea Valley to the east. Turn south to follow the 4WD track along the flat tops for 1.3km to a signpost pointing east, down a ridge past Pt1095, to Otukota Hut, which is about 2hr away. 

About a kilometre along is a sign marking the Ruahine Forest Park boundary. From here the wide well-maintained track goes through mature beech forest, crossing a couple of unstable slips and getting steep closer to the Maropea River. 

Cross the river and follow orange triangles northeast for 300m to Otukota Hut, sitting on a small ledge 50m above the river.

There are options when leaving the hut. The Maropea River can be followed to Iron Bark Hut. This way is untracked and involves scrambling in and out of the river. There is an excellent chance of seeing whio in the rapids.

The other option is to follow a well-maintained track to Iron Bark Hut. Cross the river and climb 300 vertical metres to reach the junction with the track that traverses the top of Pukataramea. Turn north and start the gradual descent which will take you back into the Maropea River and to Iron Bark Hut. As with the descent the previous day it gets steep for the last few vertical metres into the river. Either route between the huts will take about two hours.

From here you will need to retrace your steps back to the road.