Loading outdoor place details…
Kaweka Forest Park
This track connects Makahu Saddle with Mackintosh Track Junction, via Matauria Ridge
Distance
5.07 km
Walking time
2 hours
Difficulty
Advanced
Dogs
Allowed — check local rules
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
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.
From the Makahu Saddle carpark, a track leads to Ngahere Base (the former hydrological survey base) then follows an old road down to the stream. Across the bridge, the Matauria Ridge Track turns to the right (the Ngahere Loop Track climbs straight ahead). From this wide, open ridge there are fine views into the beech forested Donald catchment, back to Makahu Saddle and across to the main Kaweka Range. The track descends steeply off the ridge and into Donald River valley. It crosses the river – there is no bridge, so assess the river carefully before crossing. If in doubt, stay out. Cyclone damage has changed the entry and exit points, so care needs to be taken as to where to exit the river. The track then climbs the other side of the valley to the plateau. It reaches a track junction with the track from Lakes carpark to Mackintosh carpark via Mackintosh Hut. This junction is not far from Mackintosh Hut .
Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out. The track is a restricted fire area, which means permits to light fires are required all year round.
Mackintosh Hut
Kaweka Road is located 65 km north-west of Napier. From Napier follow Puketitiri Road for 36 km before turning left into Whittle Road. Kaweka Road is the first road on the right. Whittle Road passes partly through farmland, to the park entrance (please leave all gates as found). This road may be closed at times due to snow and ice. 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.
