10 October 2026
Partly cloudy. Easterlies, dying out in the evening.
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1 / 1Kaweka Forest Park
Kaweka Flats Track
This track sidles through beech forest, in and out of side stream gullies, in a northerly direction towards Kaweka Flats Bivouac.
Distance
3.51 km
Walking time
50 mins to the Biv
Difficulty
Advanced
Dogs
Allowed — check local rules
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Treefall on the track to Iron Whare Hut
Weather outlook
Hawkes Bay forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 4:55 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, then a few showers developing about the ranges in the afternoon. Northeasterlies developing for a time in the afternoon.
13 October 2026
Mainly fine, but isolated showers in the afternoon. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
14 October 2026
Fine, but becoming cloudy in the evening. Northwesterlies.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Kaweka Flats Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Kaweka Flats Track
This benched track leaves from behind Makahu Saddle Hut. The vegetation on the main track gradually changes to thick regenerating manuka. About 40 minutes from the saddle the track descends to a large creek and heads up to a large manuka covered plateau. Kaweka Flats, a large grassy clearing at the base of Dicks Spur, is 10 minutes from here. A small bivouac is located on the clearing. Either return the way you came, or continue past the turn off to the historic Iron Whare , continuing on to Middle Hill Hut , where the track climbs over to Ballard Hut and returns along the main range. A trip from Makahu Saddle to Makahu Road in the north east of the park, via Kaweka Flats and Middle Hill Hut, is a good day or overnight possibility.
Getting there for Kaweka Flats Track
Kaweka Road is located 65 km north-west of Napier. From Napier follow Puketitiri Road for 36 km before turning left into Whittle Road. Kaweka Road is the first road on the right. Whittle Road passes partly through farmland before reaching the park entrance. Leave all gates as found. This road may be closed at times during winter because of snow. Use this location on Google Maps to help find your way there.
Helpful resources
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 .
Dog access for Kaweka Flats Track
Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only.
Before you walk Kaweka Flats Track
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.