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Kaweka Forest Park
This track provides access to Cameron Hut without needing to cross the Ngaruroro River.
Distance
11 km
Walking time
5-6 hrs
Difficulty
Advanced
Dogs
Allowed — check local rules
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Weather outlook
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 11:01 pm
11 October 2026
Mainly fine, with areas of early morning fog. Showers developing in the afternoon, possibly heavy with thunderstorms and hail, clearing in the evening. Northwesterlies developing for a time in the morning and afternoon.
12 October 2026
Fine. Easterlies developing for a time in the afternoon.
13 October 2026
Fine. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
14 October 2026
Fine apart from isolated showers. Northwesterlies.
15 October 2026
Showers developing. Northerlies, turning westerly.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
This track starts at Cameron car park. It climbs steeply through manuka forest, then crosses a broad, tussock saddle and herbfield to reach the summit of Kuripapango. Mt Kuripapango can also be reached by the "Lakes" carpark (allow 3/4 hour to reach Mt Kuripapango). From Mt Kuripapango, the track continues northwest along the Smith-Russell Track to reach a high point of 1359 metres. At the next junction, turn left, following the sign towards Cameron Hut (3 hours from this point). The track descends, passing a turnoff to Kiwi Saddle Hut. The track drops steeply into Ngaruroro Valley and arrives at Cameron Hut. There is an alternative route to Cameron Hut via the Ngaruroro River. However, this requires at least 30 river crossings, so it is best suited to people with good river crossing skills and when the river is low and no rain is forecast.
The track is in a restricted fire area, which means permits to light fires are required all year round.
Cameron Hut Kiwi Saddle Hut
Cameron Carpark is located approximately 70 km from Napier on the Napier/Taihape Road (just before Kuripapango). Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . Level up in your outdoor knowledge with these interactive online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only.
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.
