Description

Omarukokere Bivouac is located opposite the confluence of the Ngaruroro River and the Omarukokere Stream. There are no fees. Bookings not required - first come, first served. Facilities include mattresses, non-flush toilets and water from a stream. Built to NZFS design, this small two person bivouac has been extended with a living area. The site has adequate camping space surrounding the bivouac and is an ideal location for a small hunting party, angler group or as a pull-out spot for kayakers or rafters. At 740 metres, the site is terraced above the Ngaruroro River in a flat, sheltered position with the beech forest rising quickly away from the bivouac's vicinity. The bivouac can experience a wide range of climatic conditions which can include brief snowfalls during cold southerly weather and heavy winter frosts, but is sheltered from the strong westerly winds. Getting there Helicopter The helipad is located 30 metres from the hut. Flight availability and costs can be obtained from helicopter concessionaires in the central North Island. Walking This bivouac is not located on any marked track system. Access is possible by walking from Rocks Ahead Hut or down from Ngaawapurua Hut, however extreme care should be observed if attempting to ford the Ngaruroro River deep pools and swift flow can make crossing hazardous. Tramping Omarukokere Bivouac is not on a marked tramping track with most visitors arriving by helicopter or by kayak/raft. The difficult, steep-sided terrain of the Ngaruroro river valley in this area is not suited for travel by foot and at times of heavy water flows the river bed becomes dangerous and impassable. Access into and out of the riverbed can be very difficult in many places above and below the bivouac area. Experienced trampers occasionally access the bivouac from the Venison Tops/Rocks Ahead Track by following an unmarked ridge track down to opposite the bivouac site. Extreme care is required if contemplati