Loading...
Whanganui National Park
11.2 km
3 hours
210 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a slice of the "real" New Zealand backcountry without the commitment of a week-long expedition, the journey to Omaru Hut via the Matemateāonga Track is calling your name. Located in the wild, emerald heart of Whanganui National Park, this 11.2km return walk offers a perfect blend of rich history, dense native forest, and that unmistakable sense of isolation that only the Whanganui hill country can provide.
Whether you are a local Taranaki resident looking for a weekend leg-stretcher or a visitor wanting to experience the rugged beauty of the North Island’s interior, this trail is a fantastic "taster" of one of New Zealand’s most storied multi-day tramping tracks.
The adventure begins at the Kohi Saddle, where you’ll leave the gravel road behind and step into a world of vibrant greens. The Matemateāonga Track is famous among seasoned trampers as a 42km multi-day journey, but this first section to Omaru Hut is remarkably accessible.
The trail follows the line of an old settlers’ dray road, which means for much of the way, the gradient is surprisingly gentle. However, don’t let the word "road" fool you—nature has long since reclaimed this path. You’ll find yourself walking through a lush tunnel of podocarp forest, where the air is cool, damp, and scented with the earthy aroma of damp moss and decaying leaf litter.
The terrain is a mix of wide, flat sections and a more persistent climb as the track ascends a spur to reach the crest of the Matemateāonga Range. While it is rated as moderate, the steady incline is manageable for most fitness levels, including active families. The "moderate" tag mostly accounts for the underfoot conditions; being a rainforest environment, the track is often a bit "tasty" with mud, especially after a typical Kiwi downpour.
As you walk, the canopy above is a masterpiece of New Zealand botany. Giant tree ferns (ponga) create a prehistoric atmosphere, their massive fronds filtering the sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The trail feels intimate and enclosed until you reach the higher points of the range, where the forest occasionally parts to give you a sense of just how vast and rugged this landscape truly is.
Parking is available at Kohi Saddle, approximately 50 metres from the track start. The trailhead is signposted from Upper Mangaehu Road, which is reached via State Highway 43 at Strathmore, east of Stratford.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Apteryx mantelli
The kiwi is New Zealand's national icon, a nocturnal and flightless bird known for its long, sensitive beak with nostrils at the tip, used to sniff out food.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
25km away
A warm, neighbourhood cafe in Stratford focusing on seasonal, locally sourced produce, offering breakfasts, lunches, and house-baked treats with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Be the first to share a photo of this trail
Recent reports from hikers
No condition reports yet.
Be the first to report the current conditions!
See what other hikers are saying
--
No reviews yet
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Out and back
The undeniable star of this walk is Omaru Hut. Reaching this serviced eight-bunk hut feels like discovering a secret clubhouse in the middle of the wilderness. It’s a classic Department of Conservation (DOC) design, offering a genuine backcountry vibe. For families, it’s an ideal spot to stop for lunch and let the kids imagine what it’s like to live off the grid. If you have the time, booking a night here is a great way to introduce youngsters to their first overnight "tramp."
Another highlight is the incredible floral display if you time your visit right. From October onwards, the forest comes alive with the white stars of native clematis and the fiery red bursts of rātā vines climbing high into the canopy. You might also spot the unique rewarewa (New Zealand honeysuckle), which produces intricate, reddish-brown flowers that are a favourite for nectar-loving birds.
On a "bluebird" day, keep your eyes peeled during the climbs. Through occasional breaks in the dense bush, you can catch glimpses of the massive volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park (Mount Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro) shimmering on the eastern horizon. The contrast between the deep green of the Whanganui bush and the snow-capped volcanic giants in the distance is a sight you won’t soon forget.
To find the trailhead, you’ll need to head towards the small settlement of Strathmore, located on State Highway 43 (famously known as the Forgotten World Highway), just east of Stratford.
From Strathmore, turn onto Upper Mangaehu Road. Follow this winding road until you reach the Kohi Saddle. You’ll find a dedicated parking area approximately 50 metres from the start of the track. The trailhead is well-signposted, but do take care on the drive in, as these rural roads can be narrow and winding. Ensure your vehicle is locked and no valuables are left on display, as the trailhead is in a remote location.
The Whanganui National Park is a stronghold for native birdlife, and the section to Omaru Hut is no exception. Because the forest is so thick, you will often hear the residents before you see them.
This trail is open year-round, but each season brings a different flavour to the Matemateāonga.
The Matemateāonga Track isn't just a recreational path; it’s a journey through time. Long before European settlers arrived, this route was a vital ara (pathway) for Māori. It served as a connection between the Whanganui River—the great "highway" of the region—and the rich plains of Taranaki.
In the early 1900s, there were ambitious plans to turn this ancient trail into a dray road to link the two regions for trade and farming. You can still see evidence of this history in the wide benching of the track and the gentle gradients designed for horse-drawn carts. Ultimately, the rugged terrain and the unforgiving New Zealand bush proved too much for the settlers, and the road was never fully completed for vehicle use.
Today, the area is managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), and there are ongoing efforts to protect the native biodiversity here. The park is a sanctuary for species that have struggled elsewhere, making your visit part of a continued appreciation for New Zealand’s conservation heritage.
After three hours in the bush, you’ll likely have worked up a healthy appetite. Heading back towards Stratford (about a 45-minute drive from the trailhead) offers some fantastic spots to refuel:
The walk to Omaru Hut is more than just a hike; it’s an immersion into the quiet, powerful spirit of the Whanganui wild. It’s a place to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the ancient rhythms of the New Zealand bush. Enjoy the mud, listen for the birds, and soak in the history!
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Native owl also known as Ruru. Named for its distinctive two-note call heard at night.
Best time: Year-round
25km away
Located in Stratford, this restaurant and bar offers a cozy, rustic atmosphere with a seasonally inspired menu, craft beers, and single-malt whiskies, perfect for unwinding after a hike.
25km away
Situated on the eastern slopes of Mount Taranaki near Stratford, offering a cafe with coffee, breakfast, and light meals, and a restaurant with wider cuisine options in an alpine setting.