10 October 2026
Partly cloudy. Easterlies, dying out in the evening.
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1 / 3Kaweka Forest Park
Kiwi Saddle Hut via Mt Kuripapango
Tramp to Kiwi Saddle Hut via Mt Kuripapango and the Smith-Russell Track
Distance
7.8 km
Walking time
4 hrs
Difficulty
Advanced
Dogs
Allowed — check local rules
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Repair work for bridge between Kiwi Mouth and Manson Huts
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
Kiwi Saddle Hut via Mt Kuripapango on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Kiwi Saddle Hut via Mt Kuripapango
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 from 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. From here the track descends then ascends again to the junction of the Cameron Hut Track. Kiwi Saddle Hut is reached at the foot of an exposed ridge.
Essential information for Kiwi Saddle Hut via Mt Kuripapango
The location of Kiwi Saddle Hut offers trampers an excellent weekend base or stop-over point. At times of high-water flow levels, the Ngaruroro riverbed route becomes impassable and Kiwi Saddle offers a useful alternative. Kiwi Saddle can provide a round trip experience for trampers departing Cameron carpark and travelling to Kiwi Mouth or Cameron Hut via the Ngaruroro River one way and returning Kiwi Saddle (or vice versa). Kiwi Saddle can also provide a stop-over on more adventurous tramps to access the main Kaweka Range from the south. Trampers can continue on to Manson Hut via Kiwi Mouth Hut.
Huts and campsites
Kiwi Saddle Hut
Getting there for Kiwi Saddle Hut via Mt Kuripapango
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.
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 Kiwi Saddle Hut via Mt Kuripapango
Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only.
Before you walk Kiwi Saddle Hut via Mt Kuripapango
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.