Waitutu Track

From the car park, the track crosses coastal streams and beaches before reaching the historic Port Craig milling settlement. Beyond it, the route follows an old logging tramline through regenerating native forest and over the Sand Hill, Percy Burn, Edwin Burn and Francis Burn viaducts. The final approach turns inland toward the Waitutu Forest Lodge access point. Store the route as the walking corridor once; the distance above is one way, not a return total.

The elevation is modest, but mud, wet forest, unbridged streams and exposed coastal sections can make progress slow. Tide timing matters on beach sections, and navigation and survival skills are important beyond Port Craig. Carry water-treatment supplies, warm waterproof layers and sandfly protection. There is no road connection at the lodge end; plan your return or jet-boat/other transport before setting out.

This is a good choice if you want a quiet, story-rich route rather than polished infrastructure. The viaducts and Port Craig relics reveal the area's timber-milling past, while the Waitutu Forest protects an exceptional tract of lowland podocarp bush. Watch the coast for Hector's dolphins and fur seals, and bring a camera for the timber structures, beach approaches and towering rimu and rata. Rarakau Car Park is reached by about 28 km of road from Tuatapere, including an unsealed section; leave the car at the signposted parking area at the owner's risk.