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Hawke's Bay · Hiking

Komata Hut Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

A walker seen from behind carrying a grey and orange backpack, with hills in the background.

Illustrative photograph. General backpacking illustration; location unverified. This is not a photograph of the named route or evidence of its terrain, condition or difficulty.

Photo: Cody Black / Unsplash License / Details

This track leads from Comet Road end to Komata Hut and Ngaruroro River, via Komata high point.

Last checked 8 October 2026 · Department of Conservation

By Outdoor Next Editorial standards

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Key facts

Distance
6 km one way
Walking time
3-4 hr to the hut | 4-5 hr out from the hut
Track grade
Advanced
Location
Kaweka Forest Park
Dog access
Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only. 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 track leads from Comet Road end to Komata Hut and Ngaruroro River, via Komata high point.

This DOC directory entry covers Komata Hut 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: 6 km one way
  • Walking time: 3-4 hr to the hut | 4-5 hr out from 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.

Dog access

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

Description

Komata Hut Track begins at the end of Comet Road. Follow the track as it ascends to the Komata high point (1083 m). At the junction near the high point, turn off onto the track signposted to Komata Hut (the main track continues on to Shutes Hut).

The track descends steeply into Ngaruroro Valley. Komata Hut is situated above Ngaruroro River, in a clearing.

This track into Ngaruroro Valley is newly cut and it is rough, steep and loose in places. It can be very slippery during and after rain. There is a change of nearly 1000 m elevation between Komata high point and Komata Hut. It requires good fitness and plenty of time. This trip is best suited to experienced, fit trampers. It is not a tramp for beginners.

Getting there

Turn off Taihape Napier Road onto Comet Road. The Comet Road turn off is about 70 km (1 hr 15 min drive time) from Hastings. Follow Comet Road until the end (3 km).

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, including with an emergency shelter, spare food and a distress beacon. 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.

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 Topo50 map BJ38 - Te PohueTopo50 map BK37 - Tikokino

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.

Sources & official links

  1. 1.Komata Hut Track: official route information— Department of Conservation
  2. 2.DOC walking and tramping directory— Department of Conservation

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