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Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 3-4 days
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Ruahine Forest Park
- Seasonal restrictions
- Access is closed from 1 June to 31 October and may be closed at other times of the year for farm management purposes.
- 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
Walk along the tussock tops of the Hikurangi Range between Purity and McKinnon huts in the Ruahine Forest Park.
This DOC directory entry covers Purity to Kawhatau Base 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 3-4 days
- 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.
Seasonal restrictions
Access is closed from 1 June to 31 October and may be closed at other times of the year for farm management purposes.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Mangakukeke Road end to Purity Hut
Time: 3-4 hr
Climb the marked Purity Hut Track through farmland and forest to Purity Hut, nestled above the bushline on the Hikurangi Range.
Purity Hut to McKinnon Hut
Time: 4-6 hr
The track follows on up the a tussock ridge from Purity Hut to Wooden Peg (1672 m).
From here turn left along the tops of the range - head northeast to Iron Peg (1703 m) and on past small tarns to Mangaweka Trig (1733 m), the highest point in the Ruahine Forest Park.
Travel is then possible right along the open tussock tops of the Hikurangi Range to McKinnon Hut sitting just above the bushline down a short side ridge at the northern end. Some lovely tarns are passed on the way. Due to travel on the unmarked open tops this section should not be attempted in poor visibility or bad weather. Snow can occur any time of year.
McKinnon Hut to Kawhatau Base
Time: 4-6 hr
Walk back on the McKinnon Hut Track along the crest of the Hikurangi Range from McKinnon Hut and down the long ridge to the cableway across the Kawhatau River. Unless the river is up, it is easy to walk across the river here. See guidance on using the cableway under 'Know before you go'.
Kawhatau Base
Kawhatau Base to Rangitane Road bridge
Time: 4-6 hr
From Kawhatau Base, go through the gate and down to the Kawhatau River. Head downstream for approximately 9.5 km to the Rangitane Road bridge. Beware this route may not be accessible during times of high river flow.
Getting there
You will need to make transport arrangements as the start and end points of this hike are different. You must make prior arrangements to cross private land at the Purity Hut end of the trip.
Mangakukeke Road End (Purity End Access)
Heading just north from Mangaweka turn right off SH1, cross the Rangitikei River and follow Kawhatau Valley Road. This eventually leads to Upper Kawhatau Valley Road and not far past this turn right onto Mangakukeke Road.
Kawhatau Base (Rangitane Road Access)
There has previously been vehicle access to Kawhatau Base through private land but this access is no longer available. Access is now available via a 9 km walk up the Kawhatau River, starting where the Rangitane Road bridge crosses the Kawhatau River. Beware this route may not be accessible during times of high river flow.
To get to the Rangitane Road bridge, head just north from Mangaweka and turn right off SH1. Cross the Rangitikei River and follow Kawhatau Valley Road. This eventually leads to Upper Kawhatau Valley Road which becomes Rangitane Road. The bridge is just past the turn off to Smiths Road. Be aware there is no car park.
Permission needed to access the hut
Access to the hut is via a working farm. You need the landowner's permission to walk to Purity Hut from the carpark at the end of Mangakukeke Road.
Contact DOC Manawatū Office for the landowner's contact details.
Email the farm owner to request access over the farm – at least 48 hours before your visit.
Know before you go
Access to Purity Hut involves first gaining permission to walk across an active working farm.
Hazards
The farm is an active workplace. Hazards change daily and may include moving stock, farm vehicles, electric fences, irrigation equipment, uneven ground, and chemicals used for pest or weed control. Animals may react unpredictably to people, dogs, or sudden movements, even if they appear calm.
Always stick to the marked routes
Leave gates exactly as you find them
Keep well clear of machinery
Closely supervise children at all times
Dogs
If your dog has been permitted (check with the landowner when you request access permission) keep it under strict control. Dogs can frighten/injure livestock very quickly.
Firearms prohibited
Visitors must not hunt or bring loaded firearms onto private property, nor use spotlights or light fires.
Sick/dead farm animals
Occasionally, walkers may come across a sick or dead animal on farmland. If this happens to you, do not touch the animal, as there may be disease risks or other hazards. Notify the farmer or land manager as soon as possible.
Ongoing access
Respecting farm rules and reporting concerns helps protect your own safety, supports animal welfare, and ensures farms can continue to be shared responsibly with the public.
Abuse of access rights will result in trespass, prosecution and permanent closure of public access.
Using the cableway
A cableway is used to cross rivers on this trip. Take time to read the on-site instructions and familiarise yourself with the operation of the cableway before crossing
Use of this cableway carries risks, so follow the operating instructions carefully.
It is recommended that you do not use this cableway unless part of a larger party or carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB).
Never place your hands on main cable, and keep hands, clothing and long hair clear of all wheels.
In the event of an emergency where the carriage becomes stuck, remain where you are and activate your PLB or have your party seek help.
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.
