The Wairoa Loop Track starts directly opposite the car park at the top of Otau Road, just inside Hunua Regional Park. The track begins by following the line of a stream, mostly several meters above it, but with a few places where access is feasible. This includes one within a short gorge with a small waterfall and a reasonable-sized soaking pool. Continuing on takes you up and along a ridge to connect with Repeater Road, an access road for a telco repeater. It’s pretty enough, but there is only one excellent viewpoint from the road, so don’t miss it!
Right next to the repeater is a modest camping area (you must carry everything in and out), and then the trail heads downhill towards the Wairoa Dam. About a fifth of the way down, there is a sidetrack (a few minutes each way) to another viewpoint over the dam. The track then connects with the bottom end of Otau Road. Go right for a few minutes to the reservoir and dam and go left to walk back up the road to the car park.
From the dam, you can also take Suspension Bridge Track back to the carpark. Allow about two to two and a half hours for the walk. Add 40 minutes or so for Suspension Bridge Track.
