Cameron Carpark to Mt Kuripapango Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

A day walk to Mt Kuripapango.

This DOC directory entry covers Cameron Carpark to Mt Kuripapango Track in Hawke's Bay, within Kaweka 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: 7.4 km return via same track
• Walking time: 3-4 hr return
• DOC grade: Advanced

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.

Dog access

Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

This track starts at Cameron Carpark. Just before the water gauge a track turns to the right and climbs steeply through manuka forest. The track then crosses a broad, tussock saddle and alpine herbfield to reach the summit ridge. Tracks at the trig branch northwest to Kiwi Saddle Hut, and east to the Lakes Carpark.

It is a 1 hr walk back down to track to the car park.

Getting there

Cameron Carpark is located approximately 70 km from Napier on the Napier/Taihape Road (just before Kuripapango).

Kaweka Forest Park access conditions

We recommend 4WD vehicles to reduce wear on the road and safe travel.

• Lotkow Road: The river crossings are regularly changing, check before crossing.

• Lakes carpark is accessible via Kuripapango road. The previous access Castle Rock road is now closed due to ongoing forestry operations.

• Lawrence Carpark access road: The last 600 m of the road is steep and not recommended for 2WD vehicles - a parking space is available before the descent. The Lawrence swing bridge has been removed.

• Mackintosh car park is currently closed due to ongoing forestry operations. A new parking location can be located at a skid site near the closed gate (end of Kuripapango Road), this will add on 500 m walking to reach the start of the track.

• Whittle Road: Be aware of trucks using the quarry. Give them right of way where possible.

Know before you go

Be ready for mountain weather

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.

Check the weather before you go. Kaweka J Summit weather forecast – NIWA website

Pack for all conditions and be ready for weather delays. Packing lists

Expect a rough, slippery track

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.

Be aware that there are some steep drops beside the track.

Fires

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.

Maps

The Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) topographical maps that cover the Kaweka Forest Park are:

Topo50 map BH36 - MotutereTopo50 map BH37 - RangitaikiTopo50 map BH38 - Te HarotoTopo50 map BJ36 - Tawake TohungaTopo50 map BJ37 - Kuripapango

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.