10 October 2026
Partly cloudy. Easterlies, dying out in the evening.
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1 / 4Kaweka Forest Park
Lakes carpark to Mt Kuripapango Track
Tramp from Lakes carpark to the top of Mt Kuripapango
Distance
2.6 km
Walking time
2-3 hrs (one way)
Difficulty
Advanced
Dogs
Allowed — check local rules
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
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
Lakes carpark to Mt Kuripapango Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Lakes carpark to Mt Kuripapango Track
The track from the Lakes Carpark to the top of Mt Kuripapango (1250 metres) is strenuous but rewarding. This track zigzags through kanuka forest to the main ridge. As the main ridge is climbed, increasingly spectacular views appear – there are views down to the lakes and east to Hawke’s Bay. Alpine flowers and tussock are scattered among the scree on top. Alternative return route: Instead of returning to the Lakes Carpark, you can descend the southern side of Mt Kuripapango, to Cameron Carpark on the Napier Taihape road. From the top of Mt Kuripapango, you can also continue on to Kiwi Saddle Hut and the southern end of the Kaweka Range.
Getting there for Lakes carpark to Mt Kuripapango Track
Kuripapango is located 76 km from Napier on the Napier/Taihape Road. To reach the Lakes carpark, turn off the Napier-Taihape Road onto Kuripapango Road and follow the signs to Lakes carpark. 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 Lakes carpark to Mt Kuripapango Track
Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only.
Before you walk Lakes carpark to Mt Kuripapango 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.