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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -39.83367, 176.17872. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 6 km one way
- Walking time
- 4 hr one way
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Ruahine Forest Park
- 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
This tramping track takes you from the North Block Road carpark to Smiths Stream Hut.
This DOC directory entry covers Smiths Stream Hut track 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: 6 km one way
- Walking time: 4 hr one way
- 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
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This rugged track is suited for the more adventurous.
From the Sunrise carpark follow the track for 1.5 kilometres to the Waipawa River. Slightly upstream and on the southern side there is a signpost marking the start of the track, which follows the forest edge to the park boundary.
It passes through open regenerating scrub and forest to Middle Stream, then crosses the river and climbs steeply to a 1104 metres peak. The track then descends to Smiths Stream which is followed for 1 kilometre to reach the hut.
The hut is the best remaining example in Hawke’s Bay of the original Forest Service SF40 designed huts constructed in the 1960’s and 70’s throughout the country for deer cullers.
Getting there
The North Block Road end is the most popular starting point for visitors to the Eastern Ruahine.
From State Highway 50, turn towards the Ranges onto Wakarara Road.
After 20 km, turn left into North Block Road and continue to the road end.
The last 4 km of this road is through private farmland – do not disturb stock and leave gates as you found them.
Know before you go
The last 4 km of this road is through private farmland. Do not disturb stock and leave gates as you found them. Dogs are not permitted.
North Block Road map (JPG, 224K)
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.
