Like all of the Great Walks, booking ahead is essential. There are five huts and campsites on the track, and they fill up quickly. The walk can be attempted in both directions, and there are various different ways to break up the journey. The below is a guide to a four-day trip starting at Onepoto.

Stage One: Onepoto to Panekire Hut

It's a tough start to the hike, as the trail climbs straight up towards Panekire Bluff, before following the ridgeline to its highest point at Puketapu Trig (1180m). The climb might be tough, but the views are more than worth it. From there, it is a straight hike to the hut.

Stage Two: Panekire Hut to Waiopaoa Hut and Korokoro Campsite

The track follows the Ridgeline until the start of the Panekire descent. A steep, twisting path, the track winds its way down through forests towards Lake Waikaremoana. From there Waiopaoa inlet isn't too far, with the Hut and the Campsite nearby. A further 3km takes you to the Korokoro Campsite, just a short hike (1hr return) from the Korokoro falls.

Stage Three: Korokoro Campsite to Waiharuru Campsite

As the track undulates through the bush, it crosses creeks and skirts the lake. There are plenty of options to overnight along the way, and plenty of reasons not to hurry the journey!

Stage Four: Waiharuru Campsite to Hopuruahine Landing

After spending your final night on the lake, the trail heads back along the Whanganui Stream before heading to the water taxi pick-up and drop off (book in advance) at the Whanganui Hut.