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Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- Not specified in the checked DOC directory
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Ruahine 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
From Kumeti Road end in Eastern Ruahine Forest Park you can take tramping tracks to Opawe Rd and Kiritaki Hut.
This DOC directory entry covers Kumeti Road end tramping tracks 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: Not specified in the checked DOC directory
- 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
Kumeti Road to Kiritaki Hut
Time: 5-6 hr
Approximately 2 - 3 hours from the Kumeti Road End on the east to west crossing, the track heads south down a ridge to a stream. It then turns up steeply to Kiritaki Hut amongst a mass of leatherwood.
Kumeti Road to Opawe Road
Time: 6-7 hr
This track is recommended for experienced trampers. This day trip over the southern range passes through rimu and mountain forests and the largest, unbroken mass of leatherwood in New Zealand. There are no open tops and the track is well defined, although the area is exposed and it is often windy and cloudy.
Getting there
Kumeti Road is located 13 km from Dannevirke. Dannevirke is 85 km from Napier on State Highway 2. Head south from Dannevirke, turn right into Maharahara Road and take the next right in Kumeti Road.
Follow the Mangapuaka Stream upriver for 1.3 km to reach the start of the track, which is on the true right of the river. The river section is not a marked or maintained route. Note that it’s dangerous to cross or follow the river when the water level is high which can occur during or after heavy rain. How to cross rivers safely.
Know before you go
Kumeti Road map (JPG, 198K)
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.
