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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: -39.26740, 173.99337. 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
- 7 km one way
- Walking time
- 3 hr to the hut
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki
- 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
A gentle climb through forest on the lower slopes of the mountain leads up to Kahui Hut, the oldest hut in the National park.
This DOC directory entry covers Puniho Track to Kahui Hut in Taranaki, within Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 7 km one way
- Walking time: 3 hr to 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.
Around the Mountain Circuit partially closed; First published on 20 April 2023. Last reviewed on 29 September 2026.
Oaonui Track closed; First published on 25 July 2025. Last reviewed on 29 September 2026.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
A gentle climb through forest on the lower slopes of the mountain leads up to Kahui Hut, the oldest hut in the national park.
After crossing the stile, the track gradually climbs through old-podocarp and broadleaf forest to reach the hut at approximately 880 m above sea level.
Getting there
Access is from Puniho Road, via Wiremu Road, Okato.
Know before you go
The Hangatahua River route is no longer accessible from this track due to erosion.
The western side of the mountain gets regular adverse weather. There may be treefalls and muddy /boggy sections on this track.
Be prepared for changeable weather
Weather on the mountain changes rapidly – you must be well prepared with suitable clothing and equipment for all weather and conditions.
Snow, high rainfall and storm damage can make tracks impassable – many rivers and streams are unbridged.
Check the Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki weather forecast before you go.
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.
