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Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 2-3 hr to Barlow Hut
- Track grade
- Expert
- Location
- Ruahine Forest Park
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
This is a challenging route up the riverbed and is only recommended for experienced trampers.
This DOC directory entry covers Barlow Hut and Upper Makaroro Hut Route in Manawatu-Whanganui, within Ruahine Forest Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 2-3 hr to Barlow Hut
- DOC grade: Expert
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
- Predator control for Ruahine Forest Park – north-east Ruahine; First published on 7 January 2026. Last reviewed on 6 October 2026.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
There is a 8 km (approximate) route up the riverbed from the road end to reach Barlow Hut. From the hut there is a 1.5 km connecting track to the Colenso Spur Track.
It is also possible to continue up the river for 6 km to the Upper Makaroro Hut. This route is recommended for experienced trampers only. Sometimes there are deep pools and river dams to negotiate in this changing riverbed.
Getting there
Wakarara Roadend is approximately 75 km from Napier. Turn onto Wakarara Road from SH50 and follow for approximately 26.5km to the end of Wakarara Road.
There is no vehicle access to the Ruahine Forest Park from the Wakarara Road end. You will need to cross the Makaroro River.
From the carpark, follow a poled route (marked with orange track markers) along the farmers fence line and through a paddock down to the river.
Know before you go
This route requires walking up the riverbed. It is dangerous to attempt to cross the river when the water level is higher than normal.
Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.
Do not cross if the river or stream 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.
How to cross rivers safely
NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
