Distance: 5 km one way (plus a further 700m to the Pouākai Tarn.

Time: 2 hr 30 min one way

Fitness level: Intermediate

From the car park, follow the path up to Mangorei Road and walk to the road end. Follow the track signage up a private driveway and into the bush.

This track requires good fitness as it involves several hours of walking uphill. This track is mostly wooden steps and batten boardwalk – be warned these can be a tripping hazard.

The track climbs steadily through regenerating forest, mountain cedar, and low alpine scrub to the Pouākai Hut (currently closed for redevelopment).

This is a good day hike.