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Kaweka Forest Park
Tramp to Makino Hut through manuka forest and red beech
Distance
11.3 km
Walking time
2-3 hrs each way
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.
A short distance after Makahu Road enters Kaweka Forest Park, it climbs to a saddle. From here, the track to Makino Hut begins. The track ascends a mānuka-covered ridge for around 20 minutes (with a steady climb), offering views over the Mohaka Valley and surrounding plateau farmland. Keep an eye out for fernbirds in the low scrub and listen for kiwi calls at night. It then follows a flat section through mānuka before climbing again to a second plateau. As altitude increases, mānuka gives way to red beech forest. The track passes the Middle Hill turnoff (left), and shortly after, the Te Puia Lodge turnoff (right), which descends steeply. About 15–20 minutes beyond this junction, Makino Hut is reached in a small clearing.
This is a mountainous area. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes, whiteouts, high winds on the ranges and rapidly rising water levels in rivers and streams. Pack for all conditions and be ready for weather delays, including with an emergency shelter, spare food and a distress beacon. This is a backcountry tramping track and it is rough, muddy and slippery (especially after rain). It is best suited to experienced trampers with backcountry skills. You will need sturdy boots with good grip. Extreme fire conditions can exist during summer. The park is a restricted fire area, which means permits to light fires are required all year round.
Makino Hut Te Puia Lodge For experienced trampers, Makino Hut provides further access to Ballard Hut (via the Kaweka Range) and Mangaturutu Hut (via the upper Makino River).
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. At the very end of the road, 500 metres from the Mangatutu Hot Springs and camping area, is "The Gums" parking area and shelter. The tracks to Te Puia Lodge and Mangatainoka Hot Springs begin here. The trip involves about 1 hr of travel on unsealed gravel roads. 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. Check with Hasting's District Council for road closures. Use this location o n Google Maps to help 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.
