I haven't hiked much in Te Urewera Forest, and for good reason. Road end access to many of the tracks require several hours’ drive down narrow gravel roads, maybe with the exception of some tracks in the Matahi Valley. The last time I was in Te Urewera was to do the Great Walk at Lake Waikaremoana and it’s not a drive I would like to do too often. That said, the end of Matahi Valley Road was less than two hours’ drive from my home in Edgecumbe.
The start of the Ōtapukawa Awa Trail is at the end of Matahi Valley Road. I asked a few workmates if it would be safe to park at the road end and it was met with a unanimous no. They recommended Te Pākau campsite (Eight Acres) or at the Lions Hut. Te Pākau was only a couple of kilometres to the start of the trail, but the Lions Hut was at least double that. From the campsite, walk south towards the road end until the road forks. On the left the road goes uphill, and on the right, you’ll see a grass clearing. Just past the clearing is the river and the start of the trail.
Read More