Whakamarama Loop

This loop joins three well-known tracks in the Kaimais. The North-South, Te Tuhi trail (West - East) and the Leyland O'Brian tramway. Another notable feature is the recent (2019) hut, Te Whare Okioki, which provides an opportunity for a stop, refreshment and perhaps a bit chin-wag with the guests.

The begining of the loop starts at a carpark clearing at the very end of Whakamarama road. There are several paths that might take you on short forest walks, so it's important to find the correct route. It should be signposted as Leyland O'Brian Tramway trail. Set off in the clockwise direction, which is easier to start with, as it meanders alongside the Ngamuwahine River for the first 4km or so. You'll be required to cross the stream a few times, so be prepared to get your feet wet early on. This is the best maintained segment and a nice single track experience for a novice trail runners.

Bear slightly right at the Ngamuwahine track junction and keep following the Leyland O'Brian Tramway for another 3km. The terrain underfoot will become a bit more challenging, muddy and rooty. The real fun begins once you join the North-South trail. The trail is not as frequented and as a result is overgrown at places. There are also trees fallen across the path, so navigate carefully around them. This section up to the hut is more of a tramp than a run. It is exceedingly rooty and muddy, even days after rainfall. Take your time, as phone coverage is non-existent and broken or sprained ankles would present a serious problem.

Te Whare Okioki hut is one of the most recent additions to the network in the Kaimais and is very solidly built from cinder blocks. It would offer a welcome shelter if the weather took a turn for the worst. Another 2k onward you'll come across a junction with the Te Tuhi trail. And unless you fancy extending your trip to the Wairere falls (another 1:15hrs one-way), then turn right onto the Ngamarama/Te Tuhi track. From then onwards, posted as 3hr walk (about half that when running), the track undulates up and down with some nice segments where you can enjoy a good single trail underfoot.

The track becomes less rooty but no less muddy, after a bit of rainfall. Just before the end, you'll descend about 50m down some steps, which is often the reason why some may prefer to run it in the clockwise direction. The last little nugget is by taking the long way to the carpark, at a junction at the bottom of the steps. This is a nice gravel single track with several boardwalks. A last little climb and you are back to the carpark, precisely 21.1k.