Te Puia Hut Track and Mangatainoka Hot Springs

Time required : 2-3 hours to the Hut, another 45 mins to the hot springs From the end of Makahu Road, past Mangatutu Hot Springs campsite, a track leads up the true right of the Mohaka River to Te Puia Hut. From Te Puia Hut the track continues upriver for another 45 minutes. You’ll first past the turnoff to Makino Hut, and cross a bridge over the Makino River just above its confluence with the Mohaka River. The track then continues alongside the Mohaka, through native bush with some rolling terrain. Steep drop-offs in some sections lend nice views of the surrounding foothills. There is a final steep descent to reach the hot springs. At the hot springs, there are 3 pools surrounded by a decking area. These pools have valves to control water flow and to empty the tubs. The hot springs are on a small manuka terrace beside the Mohaka River. The Mangatainoka Hot Springs Campsite is adjacent to the pools.

Mangatutu Hot Springs Campsite is at the start of the track and has publicly accessible hot pools. It is a free campsite with space for 10 tents. Te Puia Hut (Lodge) is a serviced hut, which is often full during weekends and holidays. Bookings are not required, so it is recommended to bring a tent. There is space outside for camping. Mangatainoka Hot Springs Campsite is adjacent to the hot pools. It is a free campsite under the bush canopy with a great swimming hole in the 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. Mahaku Road may be closed in times of heavy rainfall. Check with Hasting's District Council for road closures. 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 . We recommend trying these 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.