Makahu Road to Makahu Saddle (via Middle Hill Hut and Kaweka Flats): Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This day or overnight trip, along the eastern side of the Kaweka Range, passes through a variety of manuka, beech and sub alpine forest, and rewards trampers with good views of the mountain tops.

This DOC directory entry covers Makahu Road to Makahu Saddle (via Middle Hill Hut and Kaweka Flats) 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
• Walking time: 5.5-7.5 hrs
• 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

Makahu Road to Middle Hill Hut

Distance: 4.8 km

Time: 2-3 hrs

The track to Middle Hill Hut begins at the north-west corner of the carpark. Follow the Mangatutunui Stream for 15 minutes.

The track crosses a stream, then climbs and sidles through manuka forest to a plateau. Middle Hill Hut is located in a clearing.

Middle Hill Hut to Kaweka Flats Bivouac

Distance: 5.58 km

Time: 2-3 hrs

Continue along the track from Middle Hill Hut until you reach a track junction. Take the left-hand track (towards Kaweka Flats, not Camp Spur).

The track descends and crosses two tributaries of Koaro Stream, then climbs to a plateau. After crossing the plateau, the track drops steeply into a valley and crosses a branch of the Makehu River. The track then climbs to another plateau.

Shortly after reaching the plateau, there is a side track to Iron Whare.

Continue along the main track across Kaweka Flats, to Kaweka Flats Bivvy.

Optional side trip to Iron Whare: There is the option to take a side trip Iron Whare, the oldest hut in Kaweka Forest Park. It was probably built in the 1870s as a musterer’s hut. Read about the history of Iron Whare.

Kaweka Flats Bivvy to Makahu Saddle

Distance: 2.55 km

Time: 1.5 hrs

A benched track leads from Kaweka Flats Bivvy to Makahu Saddle Hut, which is situated 5 minutes from Makahu Saddle car park (at the end of Kaweka Road).

You will need to organise transport from Makahu Saddle to Makahu Road. Makahu Saddle is not on Makahu Road, they are roughly 27 km apart by road (around 50 mins drive).

Be aware of stream crossings on this track

There are multiple unbridged stream and river crossings on this track. They may not be safe to cross, especially during/after heavy rainfall. Assess them carefully before crossing and if in doubt, stay out.

Getting there

Makahu Road is 75 km north-west of Napier. From Napier follow Puketitiri Road for 40 km before turning right into Pakaututu Road. Makahu Road is 9 km on the left.

At the very end of the road, 500 metres from the Mangatutu Hot Springs and camping area, is "The Gums" parking area and shelter. The tracks to Te Puia Lodge and Mangatainoka Hot Springs begin here. The trip involves about 1 hr of travel on unsealed gravel roads.

The track to Middle Hill Hut is signposted partway along Makahu Road.

There is a river ford on Makahu Road 7.5 km from the road end – heavy rain and snow melt can affect the water level.

Makahu Road is steep and narrow in places. It may be slippery when wet. Take extra caution driving this road. The road is not suitable for caravans or campervans.

Check with Hasting's District Council (external site) for road closures.

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

Pack for all conditions and be ready for weather delays, including with an emergency shelter, spare food and a distress beacon. Packing lists

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

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.