This is a great hike to do, it is about 1 and half hours one way. To get to the start of the track I drove to the end of Waite Road (in Tepahu) one way, be prepared for 1km on gravel roads.
You can continue on this track to the “Pahautea Hut” which take approx. 4 hours in total . This is the steepest but quickest way and you will have to pull yourself up rock faces with chains and lower yourself using chains as well. Over all it is an exciting hike. The hike to the Ruapane Trig has no chains, it’s just if you go further.
I started from Waites road and made my way to the top the hike goes through some lush forst with a steady incline which lead to a spectacular view over Waikato basin to the Kamai ranges.
You can choose two tracks to get to get to the top
Track one is 1 hour, starts at the end of Corcoran Road and is 2km to the top.
Track Two satrts from the end of Waite Road and is one and half hours and is 4 km i prefer this track as a bit longer and less people walk this one.