The Matemateāonga Track is one of New Zealand’s most rewarding multi-day tramps, crossing 36 km of Whanganui National Park on an ancient route that combines old Māori trail with a settlers’ dray road. Three DOC huts provide shelter along the way, and the journey ends at the Whanganui River — where a jetboat completes the adventure back to Pipiriki.
Practical Information
| Location | Whanganui National Park, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|
| Distance | 36.3 km one way |
| Duration | 3–5 days |
| Difficulty | Moderate — relatively even gradient, no river crossings, native forest throughout |
| Start | Kohi Saddle (accessible from SH43, Stratford-Taumarunui Road) |
| End | Mangapurua Landing, Whanganui River — jetboat to Pipiriki required |
| Huts | Puketotara Hut (8 bunks), Pouri Hut (12 bunks), Omaru Hut (8 bunks) |
| Jetboat transport | Must be pre-arranged for the river end |
| Managed by | Department of Conservation |
About the Track
The Matemateāonga Track begins at Kohi Saddle in regenerating bush and climbs to the crest of the Matemateāonga Range, where it then follows the ridgeline through native forest for much of the remaining distance. The route follows an old road line built on an ancient Māori trail and a later settlers’ dray road — giving it a gentle, relatively even gradient unusual for a multi-day wilderness tramp.
There are no river crossings on the track, and the native forest canopy provides shelter from the worst of the weather. Three DOC huts are spaced along the route: Puketotara Hut (8 bunks), Pouri Hut (12 bunks), and Omaru Hut (8 bunks). All have mattresses, heating, non-flush toilets, and water from a tap (boil before use).
The track ends at the Whanganui River at Mangapurua Landing, from where a jetboat carries walkers downstream to Pipiriki. This transport must be pre-arranged with a jetboat operator before departing. Whanganui River Adventures offers pickup packages for trampers finishing the track.
The Matemateāonga Track can also be combined with the Mangapurua Track to create a longer traverse finishing at the Bridge to Nowhere.
What Visitors Say
“Three days, two nights and we loved every kilometre. The gradient is surprisingly manageable — never brutal — and the forest is stunning throughout. Arriving at the river for the jetboat pickup was a perfect way to end it.” — AllTrails reviewer
“An underrated gem — nowhere near as busy as the Great Walks but the forest and sense of remoteness are just as good. The huts are well-maintained. The jetboat ride out is worth it on its own.” — Wilderness Magazine
Where to Learn More
DOC — Matemateāonga Track has official track maps, hut information, conditions updates, and transport contacts.
Whanganui River Adventures offers jetboat pickup from the river end of the track.
Tourism New Zealand — Matemateāonga Track has an overview of the route and what makes it distinctive.
Wilderness Magazine has a detailed trip write-up with practical notes on planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Matemateāonga Track?
36.3 km one way, taking 3–5 days depending on pace. Most walkers complete it in three or four days.
Do I need to arrange transport to get out?
Yes — the track ends at the Whanganui River and jetboat transport back to Pipiriki must be pre-arranged before you start. Contact a jetboat operator such as Whanganui River Adventures ahead of your trip.
Are there river crossings on the track?
No — this is one of the track’s distinctive features. The route follows an old road line with no river crossings, making it more accessible in wet weather than many wilderness tramps.
How many huts are on the track?
Three DOC huts: Puketotara (8 bunks), Pouri (12 bunks), and Omaru (8 bunks). Hut passes or tickets are required.
Where does the track start?
At Kohi Saddle, accessible from SH43 (the Stratford-Taumarunui Road). This is the most common starting point, with the track heading southeast to the river.
Is it suitable for a first multi-day tramp?
The even gradient and shelter from the forest make this more forgiving than many multi-day tracks, but 36 km over multiple days still requires reasonable fitness and proper gear. It suits walkers with some day-walking experience who want to step up to overnight tramping.
The Matemateāonga Track is part of Whanganui National Park’s wider walking network. See the Whanganui Walking Tracks hub for more options, including the Bridge to Nowhere Walk in the same park.