From the road end, an old road in the Whakatane River bed alternates with the track that leads along the side of the river from Ohinenaenae Stream to Maungawhio Stream (about 4 km up the river).

The track then continues through the Rangatipihi Flats and on to another grassy clearing which is the site of an old hydro investigation camp (about 3 km). 700 metres on, the track reaches the Pukawa Stream where it enters the river on the true left. Travel up Pukawa Stream for half an hour until the marked track leaves the stream at a set of forks. The track from here is steep initially but flattens off after about 500 metres. Apiti Hut (5 bunks) is located at the end of the track where Apiti Stream meets the Opaewai and Mangaawai Streams.

From Apiti Hut you can also follow a route-standard track to Twain (Waipotiki) Hut (see Whakatane River area routes).