Mackintosh carpark to Lawrence Road end via Mackintosh Hut

From Makintosh car park, the track drops down a steep but well graded track to the Tutaekuri River. The Tutaekuri River is crossed by a steel pedestrian bridge. The track then climbs steeply – this section can be slippery, so we recommend good footwear and taking your time. Once the track reaches the top of Mackintosh Plateau, it continues on the flat through manuka and beech forest and through some open areas to the hut. This section of the track is new, as Cyclone Gabrielle destroyed a large section of the old track. The new track is steep in places, some experienced trampers walk up the creek to bypass the slip and then rejoin the old track. From Mackintosh Hut, the track follows the edge of the plateau. The track then drops steeply into the Donald River valley. The track crosses the river. There is no bridge, so assess the river carefully before crossing. Follow the track down the true left bank of Donald River. The track then crosses the river over a bridge and arrives at Lawrence campsite, shelter and road end.

Mackintosh Hut Lawrence Campsite

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.