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Key facts
- Distance
- 5.9 km one way
- Walking time
- 2 hr 30 min to the hut
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki
- 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
Kahui Track was once an old road ascending the western slopes of the mountain to Kahui Hut, the oldest hut in the park.
This DOC directory entry covers Kahui Track to Kahui Hut in Taranaki, within Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 5.9 km one way
- Walking time: 2 hr 30 min to the hut
- 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.
Around the Mountain Circuit partially closed; First published on 20 April 2023. Last reviewed on 29 September 2026.
Oaonui Track closed; First published on 25 July 2025. Last reviewed on 29 September 2026.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Kahui Track was once an old road ascending the western slopes of the mountain to Kahui Hut, the oldest hut in the park.
There is limited car parking at the end of the road.
The track gradually climbs through old-growth podocarp and broadleaf forest, passing the junction with the old Kapoiaia Track and Oaonui Track to reach the hut.
The track can be boggy/muddy at times, particularly after heavy rainfall.
Getting there
Access is via Kahui Road, off State Highway 45 at Rahotu. There is limited carparking at the end of the road.
Know before you go
The lower Hangatahua River route from the Kapoiaia Track downstream to the Puniho Track is no longer accessible due to erosion.
Treefall hazard
The western side of the mountain gets regular adverse weather. There may be treefalls on these tracks.
Be prepared for changeable weather
Weather on the mountain changes rapidly – you must be well prepared with suitable clothing and equipment for all weather and conditions.
Snow, high rainfall and storm damage can make tracks impassable – many rivers and streams are unbridged.
Check the Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki weather forecast before you go.
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.
