Walk Details

NZ Walking Routes > East Coast > Otoko Walkway

Otoko Walkway

Location

The Otoko Walkway is located off State Highway 2 approximately 50 kilometres north-west of Gisborne.

There are two entry/exit points (it is not a loop track). The first is located at the Mahaki railway tunnel 9 km east of the Otoko School and the other is opposite the Otoko Hall. Although the walk can be walked in either direction it is recommended that you commence from the Mahaki Tunnel entrance.
The uphill climb from this direction is barely noticeable due to the very easy gradient designed for the railway.

A car park, picnic tables and rubbish bins are located at the rest area at the commencement of the walkway adjacent to the old Mahaki Railway tunnel.

Description

The walk commences at the left of a highway rest area and descends a set of steps to the tunnel entrance (walkers are not advised to enter the tunnel as the old concrete structure is now in an unsound condition). From this point the walk follows the clearly visible railway formation across open farm land for 2 km before crossing the Waihuka river alongside the concrete piers of an old railway bridge.

The walk from here continues through the hill cuttings and benchings made with pick and shovel by the railway workers some 80 years ago. Wooden culverts, large concrete sumps, fish plates and spikes can be seen along the walk.

After passing through the light bush on the edge of the Otoko Scenic Reserve, where spectacular yellow-flowering kowhai can be seen in the spring, the walkway leaves the railway formation. The tracks turns left down a farm vehicle track, follows the Waihuka river for a short distance and finishes at the State Highway opposite the Otoko Hall. Before making the turn down the farm track a short walk along the railway line offers views of a small picturesque waterfall set among native bush.

Please note that care is needed at the Waihuka River crossing after periods of heavy rain.

This walkway is closed during the lambing season from 1 August to 30 September each year.

Distance

5.0 km

Duration

2.3 hours

Level

Medium

Amenities

• Birds
• Carpark
• Historical
• Picnics
• Plant Life

Source

www.doc.govt.nz

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