Last updated November 2026
The Whakanui Track leads from Wainuiomata over the hills to the Ōrongorongo River in Remutaka Forest Park, with views of the Remutaka Range from its higher sections at around 700 m.
DOC grades it Advanced and gives about 7 hours to Wainuiomata for the 8.5 km track. It starts at the end of Sunny Grove, off Hine Road, and can be walked as a return trip or linked with the Big Bend, Mt McKerrow or Papatahi Crossing tracks.
Most of it passes through podocarp and broadleaf forest. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for ungulate control, including aerial shooting, in parts of Remutaka Forest Park.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Whakanui Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- End of Sunny Grove, off Hine Road, Wainuiomata
- Distance from the city
- About 18 km from Wellington
- Walking time
- About 7 hours to Wainuiomata
- Track length
- 8.5 km
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only
- Track type
- Tramping track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (ungulate control, including aerial shooting, in parts of Remutaka Forest Park). Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Whakanui Track
From Sunny Grove the track climbs to a long, flat ridge that separates Whakanui Creek from Tūrere Stream. It then continues along the true right of Whakanui Creek to the Ōrongorongo River at the end of the track.
For most of its length you are in podocarp and broadleaf forest. On the higher parts, around 700 m, there are good views of the main Remutaka Range.
The track is a useful connector. You can return the way you came, link with the Big Bend Track or the Mt McKerrow Track to finish at the Catchpool car park, or join the Papatahi Crossing to finish in the Wairarapa.
Getting There
DOC says Hine Road is the last road on the left as you head out of Wainuiomata towards the coast; the Whakanui Track starts at the end of Sunny Grove, off Hine Road.
Planning Your Trip
This is a long tramping day. Pack warm and waterproof layers, food and water, and check DOC before you go for alerts.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC also had an alert for ungulate (goat, deer and pig) control in parts of Remutaka Forest Park from 10 August 2026 to 30 June 2027, including aerial shooting and ground hunting with indicator dogs.
Check the operation area map on the DOC page before you go. Tell someone your plans; Plan My Walk is a handy way to plan and share your trip.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Whakanui Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Remutaka Forest Park: park overview, dog access areas, hunting rules and other entrances to the park.
Plan My Walk: plan your trip, check the forecast and share your intentions with someone you trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Whakanui Track take?
DOC gives about 7 hours to Wainuiomata for the 8.5 km track.
Where does it start?
At the end of Sunny Grove, off Hine Road, the last road on the left heading out of Wainuiomata towards the coast.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced.
What tracks does it connect with?
The Big Bend Track and Mt McKerrow Track towards Catchpool, and the Papatahi Crossing to the Wairarapa.
Are there views?
Yes. From the higher parts, around 700 m, there are good views of the main Remutaka Range.
Can I take my dog?
DOC lists the track as dogs on a leash only.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.