10 October 2026
Cloudy with patchy drizzle, becoming confined to the ranges in the afternoon as cloud breaks up elsewhere. Easterlies, dying out in the evening.
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Walking track
Kaweka Forest Park
At 1724m, Kaweka J is the highest point in the Hawkes Bay with a summit that boasts panoramic views across the whole region.
Distance
8.4 km
Walking time
4 - 6 hours
Difficulty
Intermediate
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Weather outlook
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 10:55 am
10 October 2026
Cloudy with patchy drizzle, becoming confined to the ranges in the afternoon as cloud breaks up elsewhere. Easterlies, dying out in the evening.
11 October 2026
Isolated showers, becoming widespread and heavier south of Napier in the afternoon and evening with possible thunderstorms. Northerlies, dying out in the 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
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
Kaweka J is an alpine environment and the weather can change rapidly. It is not uncommon for temperatures to drop below zero on the tops even in summer. Bring warm layers and an emergency shelter and location device with you. The track begins at the Makahu Saddle carpark, the starting point for several options to reach the Kaweka tops. Makahu saddle Hut is not far from the start of the track, keep left here unless you're headed for the Kaweka Flats Track . Shortly after the Kaweka Flats Track junction, the track forks to provide two options up to Dominie Hut (basic 2 bunk hut). The right hand fork ascends Trials Spur, and the left, Makahu Spur. Both require some scrambling and are steep and exposed, good footwear is a must. Makahu Spur has more scree sections whilst Trials Spur has some switchbacks, but both have rocky outcrops and require care to navigate. The tracks join not long before Dominie Hut is reached. From here the track becomes more exposed as you climb, be careful of strong wind gusts. Continue up the spur and enjoy the expansive views over the entire Hawkes Bay. Once you reach the open tops, keep left and walk south past Dons Spur to Kaweka J where the summit is marked by a rock cairn.
Animals: O nly permitted hunting dogs allowed. Waste: Take all rubbish and recycling with you when you leave. Outdoor fires: The park is a restricted fire area, which means permits to light fires are required all year round.
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 (please leave all gates as found). This road may be closed at times during winter because of snow. 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 prohibited
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.