Rangitaiki River Access Points

Boat Ramp

Turn off State Highway 2 on to Thornton Beach Road.

River Mouth

Again, turn off SH2, this time onto Thornton Hall Road. Access to the river may be gained at a number of points along the road.

Lake Matahina Boat Ramp

This is the only boat ramp on Lake Matahina. Boating upstream of the lake in the Rangitaiki River is also possible. Another boat ramp is available below the dam to access the lower Rangitaiki River. Please follow the instructions on the signs at the ramp.

Te Teko / Murupara Road Bridge

Access down to the river on both sides of the road.

Waihua Stream

From the Te Teko / Murupara Road Bridge, access can be gained on both sides of the road. Fishing can be undertaken either upstream or downstream of the bridge.

Mangamako Stream

Again, access can be gained from the bridge on the Te Teko / Murupara Road. Fishing is possible upstream, and downstream to the Rangitaiki confluence.

Lake Aniwhenua Boat Ramp

Off Black Road is the Aniwhenua boat ramp. Surrounding the ramp is a free camping area.

Aniwhenua Walking Track

Upstream of the boat ramp is a walking track that extends for most of the eastern side of the lake.

Rabbit Bridge Boat Ramp

Access is available off Kopuriki Road, downstream of Rabbit Bridge on the eastern side.

Rabbit Bridge

Access can be gained off both sides of the bridge.

Lower Horomanga

The bridge on Galatea Road provides access down to the Horomanga River.

Horomanga

The Horomanga can also be accessed from the bridge on Troutbeck Road.

Upper Horomanga

Turn off on the south side of the Troutbeck Road Bridge. Access is available at the end of the gravel road. This is the beginning of a DOC track up the Horomanga Valley in the Te Urewera National Park.

Haumea Stream

Access to the Haumea Stream can be gained from the bridge on Galatea Road.

Haumea Road

Access to the Haumea can also be gained from the bridge on Haumea Road.

Lower Whirinaki

At the end of Ngatimanawa Road, opposite the oxidation ponds at Murupara, there is access to the Whirinaki. A track runs alongside the river.

Whirinaki Road

Access to the Whirinaki is available from the bridge on Troutbeck Road and at the access sign by the old quarry.

Whirinaki

Approximately 2.5km north of Te Whaiti is a gravel track (Okuia Road) off SH38; this runs parallel with the Whirinaki River. There are a number of access points along the road to the river; however, foot access only is allowed beyond the gate.

Te Whaiti Camping Ground

The camping ground is situated just north of Te Whaiti on SH38.

Mangamate Camping Ground

Turn off Minginui Road down a gravel road, approximately 1km north of Minginui (signposted). There is a DOC camping ground beside the Mangamate Waterfall.

River Road

On the western side of Minginui, River Road runs parallel to the Whirinaki. Access to the river is available from a number of points along this side.

Whirinaki Track

Just before Te Whaiti, the Whirinaki Track runs off River Road. This track runs to the headwaters of the Whirinaki, with a number of huts along the way.

Rangitaiki Canal (Forest Access Permit required)

The Kiorenui Road Bridge provides access to the Rangitaiki Canal. Roads run on both sides of the canal offering very good access.

Wheao Penstocks (Forest Access Permit required)

At the eastern end of the Rangitaiki Canal, the Penstocks are a popular fishing location.

Flaxy Lake (Forest Access Permit required)

From the Rangitaiki Canal, Bush Road runs to Flaxy Lake. Good access to Flaxy Lake and Flaxy Canal is available.

Te Awa Camping Ground (Forest Access Permit required)

Located at the northern end of Eastern Boundary Road.

Upper Rangitaiki (Forest Access Permit required)

Downstream of the Otamatea confluence, Eastern Boundary Road runs parallel to the Rangitaiki River. This section of the river contains a number of access points from the road.

Dry Fly Creek (Forest Access Permit required)

This creek (otherwise known as Otangimoana Stream) can be accessed either by crossing the Rangitaiki River from Eastern Boundary Road, or from the bridge on Dry Fly Road.

Otamatea River (Forest Access Permit required)

Upstream of the Rangitaiki confluence, Eastern Boundary Road follows the Otamatea River. There are a number of access points to the river along the road.