This has got to be one of the best walks in the North Island - I
can’t believe it’s not better known. Beautiful beech
forest, hours of spectacular views along the tops, and with a
pristine river to follow on the return. After recently being
inspired by Tramper Ted’s excellent ‘Etrex Memorial
Vista’, I thought this walk desperately needed similar
attention!
On the Urchin
Follow the poled route on from ‘On the Umukarikaris’
cache further along the ridge for even more spectacular views
before dropping down to Waipakihi hut. DOC have signposted the time
from the start of the track to the hut as 6 hours, which is pretty
generous (Kapt Undies, Muggle Michael & I did it in 3.5 hours,
including setting the other cache on the way). The comfy hut sleeps
12 and has drinking water and a fireplace.
From here you can return along the beautiful Waipakihi River.
It’s further, and slower going, but very much worthwhile. And
you will get wet feet. Yes, you will. There is no track as such,
but the route is pretty obvious...
This section in particular has a real South Island feel to it,
complete with tussock. You eventually hit the track off to the
right which is where you turn back “inland”. There is a
nice camping area here by the river and would be a lovely place to
rest before you tackle the next leg, up the rather steep
Urchin.
You leave the bush behind once again as you climb, to come out onto
the tops with more spectacular views in all directions from the
summit. You can see the ridge from whence you came a long way
away...
From here it’s all downhill to the road end followed by a 5km
road bash to finish. If you’re coming in two vehicles you
could leave one at the other end, or alternatively bring a mountain
bike to have waiting for you. Or just suck it in and do the extra
miles - you know you could do with the exercise 
Total distance for the round trip is 38km start to finish. I
would recommend it as a 3 day walk, although the 3 of us knocked it
off in a leisurely 11 hours (including cache hides and the road
walk back). Check out the map and photos below.
Cache is in an easily found 1 litre white plastic container
containing logbook, pencil and trades.