From Wakefield, take Edward Street, south-eastwards, and turn right onto Church Valley Road. After ca. 4 km bear left onto Pig Valley Road, and continue over the river bridge onto Wairoa Gorge Road. At the road end, take the left track, bearing left again almost immediately, and continue for ca. 1 km. Walking track starts on apex of sharp hair-pin bend.
Description
Part of what DoC refer to as the Alpine Route, this track gives access to the higher country in the Richmond Ranges. It starts with a fairly easy walk along the Wairoa River Left Branch, but then climbs steeply up onto the flank of Mount Ellis. Alternatively, you can head east from the Mid Wairoa hut, and join the Goulter Track south to the Red Hills, or the Te Araroa Trail noth to Mount Rintoul.