Whakatane and Tauranga River Valley Loop Track

A beautiful and remote part of Te Urewera. A good 4-5 day tramp for all times of the year with a number of huts to sleep in, multiple rivers and streams, two steeper bush traverses, and many sections of quality NZ bush. This has a generally low elevation, but this is back country and navigation and the likely event of heavy rainfall makes this potentially dangerous. Be very wary of high and rising river levels. Some parts of the track are in the river bed and will require multiple crossings which can dangerous there has been significant rainfall. Also be sure to have a topo of the area and compass. The tracks in this area are usually marked with orange blazes, but are not kept well and in some parts you can lose you way. Be sure to bring long pants as many parts of the track have black berries and the occasional ongaonga (native stinging nettle) along the stream beds. From the Ohane/Whakatane confluence to Waikare Junction hut the black berries have completely covered the track, come prepared with a machete! Pink and yellow markers are trapping markers so do not be mistaken. Wear something brightly coloured during the roar in March and April to prevent being mistaken for a deer. Be sure to call Tuhoe (speak to Kahu) to get permission and to have a secure place to park your car at the end of Ruatoki Road. Read a full description at the link attached.