The Rangiwahia track is an ideal day or overnight tramp, which has recently been revamped. A benched track enters the bush beside the carpark and begins at a steady uphill climb to the tussock tops. After crossing the awe-inspiring arched-wooden bridge, the grade becomes steeper, heading up through smaller shrub species and past a waterfall to reach the Rangiwahia Hut.  

There is some bird life that can be seen or heard from the track notably grey warbler, tomtit, wax eye, chaffinch, yellow hammer, fantail, black bird, thrush, shining cuckoo and kererū. You will need about 1.5 - 3 hours each way depending on your fitness level.  

Accommodation - Rangiwahia Hut: A serviced 13 bunk hut, which includes water, and heating. You will need to take your own portable cooking stoves. There is a wood burner in the hut for heating, which may be used for cooking. Firewood is supplied for the wood burner. If you are planning to stay in the hut you will need to pre-purchase hut tickets from a DOC office, local information centres or some outdoor retail stores. Or book online here. 

Access: To get to the car park, travel through Rangiwahia, via Te Parapara Road and left onto Renfew Road. Follow this gravel road up to the car park. You will need to open and shut a couple of gates as you drive through farm land. You immediately enter the bush, with Dead Man’s track to the right.

Key things to remember in the outdoors:

Stick to the trail and respect the environment by making sure the only thing you leave behind are footprints.   

The weather can change in an instant. Make sure you plan ahead, take the right clothing and adequate food, water and supplies. Check out these gear lists for walks and hikes. 

• Tell a trusted person your plans and when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. Send them the information directly, or use Plan My Walk.  
• Get an up-to-date weather report from the Metservice website before setting off. 
• Follow the five essential steps of the Land Safety Code.