Mākino River access: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

An unmarked route that provides access to the Mākino River valley.

This DOC directory entry covers Mākino River access 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: Not specified in the checked DOC directory
• DOC grade: Advanced; Expert

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

Te Puia Lodge to Makino River

An unmarked route follows the true left of the Makino River from its meeting with the Mohaka for about 30 minutes. It provides good access for fishing and hunting. The route ends by a gorge around the 590 m spot height; this gorge can be impassable in higher river flows.

Once through the gorge, follow the river to the Makino – Mangaturutu three-wire bridge, then you can take the track to either hut.

Makino Hut to Makino River

The trip from Makino Hut takes approximately 45 minutes to the Ballard track junction. It then leads steeply downhill to the Makino river (600 metres altitude) for 1 hour. A three-wire bridge crosses the Makino River and the track then continues on to Mangaturutu Hut.

Mangaturutu Hut to Makino River

The track from Mangaturutu Hut descends steadily to reach Makino River. A three-wire bridge crosses the Makino River and the track then continues on to Makino Hut.

Getting there

You can access the Makino River from the track between Te Puia Hut and Mangatainoka Hot Springs. You can also access Makino River from tracks from Makino Hut and Mangaturutu Hut.

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 and unmarked routes

The tracks between Makino Hut, Mangaturutu Hut and Mākino River are backcountry tramping tracks and are rough, muddy and slippery (especially after rain). They are best suited to experienced trampers with backcountry skills. You will need sturdy boots with good grip. The route up Mākino River from Te Puia Lodge is unmarked. You need good river crossing skills.

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.