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Kaweka Forest Park
This day or overnight trip, along the eastern side of the Kaweka Range, passes through a variety of manuka, beech and sub alpine forest, and rewards trampers with good views of the mountain tops.
Distance
12.9 km
Walking time
5.5-7.5 hrs
Difficulty
Advanced
Dogs
Allowed — check local rules
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Weather outlook
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 11:01 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. Easterlies developing for a time in the afternoon.
13 October 2026
Fine. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
14 October 2026
Fine apart from isolated showers. Northwesterlies.
15 October 2026
Showers developing. Northerlies, turning westerly.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
Makahu Road to Middle Hill Hut Distance: 4.8 km Time: 2-3 hrs The track to Middle Hill Hut begins at the north-west corner of the carpark. Follow the Mangatutunui Stream for 15 minutes. The track crosses a stream, then climbs and sidles through manuka forest to a plateau. Middle Hill Hut is located in a clearing. Middle Hill Hut to Kaweka Flats Bivouac Distance: 5.58 km Time: 2-3 hrs Continue along the track from Middle Hill Hut until you reach a track junction. Take the left-hand track (towards Kaweka Flats, not Camp Spur). The track descends and crosses two tributaries of Koaro Stream, then climbs to a plateau. After crossing the plateau, the track drops steeply into a valley and crosses a branch of the Makehu River. The track then climbs to another plateau. Shortly after reaching the plateau, there is a side track to Iron Whare. Continue along the main track across Kaweka Flats, to Kaweka Flats Bivvy. Kaweka Flats Bivvy to Makahu Saddle Distance: 2.55 km Time: 1.5 hrs A benched track leads from Kaweka Flats Bivvy to Makahu Saddle Hut, which is situated 5 minutes from Makahu Saddle car park (at the end of Kaweka Road). You will need to organise transport from Makahu Saddle to Makahu Road. Makahu Saddle is not on Makahu Road, they are roughly 27 km apart by road (around 50 mins drive).
Be aware of stream crossings on this track There are multiple unbridged stream and river crossings on this track. They may not be safe to cross, especially during/after heavy rainfall. Assess them carefully before crossing and if in doubt, stay out.
Middle Hill Hut Kaweka Flats Bivvy Makahu Saddle Hut
Makahu Road is 75 km north-west of Napier. From Napier follow Puketitiri Road for 40 km before turning right into Pakaututu Road. Makahu Road is 9 km on the left. The track to Middle Hill Hut is signposted partway along Makahu Road. There is a river ford on Makahu Road 7.5 km from the road end – heavy rain and snow melt can affect the water level. Makahu Road is steep and narrow in places. It may be slippery when wet. Take extra caution driving this road. The road is not suitable for caravans or campervans. 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.
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.
