Travelling north on the Russell Road, pull off at the Punuruku Road sign, and park in the rest area (we do not recommended leaving your car here overnight). From this point walk down Punuruku Road, through the forestry gate until you reach the start of the track. The track is marked and goes straight up the hill through fern and open bush and meets up with the forestry road that runs to Papakauri. The walk includes amazing views down the Whangaruru Harbour and the forest.
Papakauri Track

Approximately half way along the Papakauri track there is an overnight shelter with an open area where you can spend the night. From this point, the track runs back inland towards Paparuku Road before heading along the Ngaiotonga Saddle. Most of this track is old forestry road.