Ruakituri River Access Points

Te Reinga Falls

Access is available to fishing spots above and below the spectacular Te Reinga Falls. Traveling along State Highway 36 towards Gisborne, turn left at Te Reinga into Ruakituri Road. It is possible to park in the reserve on the left side of the road, immediately after the bridge.

Pihanga

Pihanga is a collection of farm buildings on the left of the road about 10 kilometres from Te Reinga. The river can be easily accessed from the road. There is a vehicle track leading to the waters edge. Caution should be exercised if using the track during wet weather. Ample parking also exists on the road verge.

Ruakituri Bridge

Easy access to the river is again available further along Ruakituri Road. There is a bridge crossing the river just past the Ruakituri School. The river can be reached from the bridge, and there is room to park vehicles at the road edge.

Erepeti Bridge

Continuing along Ruakituri Road, Erepeti Road is located at the end of the seal. Anglers may follow this unsealed road to the Erepeti Bridge. There is space for parking on the road side next to the bridge. The river can be accessed from the bridge.

Erepeti Gorge and Reserve

The lower section of the Erepeti Reserve and the Ruakituri River can also be accessed from point 5. Anglers fishing in the Erepeti Gorge should exercise extreme caution. Fishing the gorge involves spending a lot of time in the water and a large number of river crossings. As the river can rise quickly during rain, anglers should avoid the gorge when weather is forecast to deteriorate.

Smiths Bridge

Smiths Bridge is located on Ngapakira Road which runs off Papuni Road. The bridge crosses the Ruakituri River. There is no public access on the true right, which is private property. However, the bridge allows easy access to the true left of the river. As with many of the other access points, parking is readily available.

Willow Flat

1.5 kilometres further along Papuni Road after the Ngapakira Road intersection, a dirt track gives vehicle access to the Ruakituri River. Again, there is ample space for parking vehicles. Anglers may seek permission from Puhoro Station to camp at Willow Flat.

Ruakituri Reserve

Another kilometre along Papuni Road is a signposted turn-off to the Ruakituri Reserve. Parking is available, and the river is easily accessible.

Papuni

The Makokomuka Stream marks the boundary between Puhoro Station and Papuni Station. A ford across the stream (Papuni Ford) provides a landmark for anglers to recognise the boundary. The Ruakituri from this confluence to Te Urewera National Park boundary at Flanagans Creek is closed to access for fishing.

Waitangi Falls

The river above Waitangi Falls is in Te Urewera National Park. Access to the park is via the formed paper road. As it is necessary to cross Papuni Station, anglers should advise the station manager. Vehicles may be left at the end of the road in the area known as the "Lockwood". The walk to Wairangi Falls takes approximately 4 hours. It is often demanding, so it is important to be prepared.