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Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 1–2 days
- Track grade
- Intermediate
- Location
- Kaweka Forest Park
- Seasonal restrictions
- Mahaku Road may be closed in times of heavy rainfall.
- Dog access
- Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only. 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 to Te Puia Hut for an easy overnight tramp, or continue on to hot springs surrounded by bush and with river views.
This DOC directory entry covers Te Puia Hut Track and Mangatainoka Hot Springs 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: 1–2 days
- DOC grade: Intermediate
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.
- Te Puia Track huts and campsites open for bookings; First published on 27 August 2026. Last reviewed on 29 September 2026.
Seasonal restrictions
Mahaku Road may be closed in times of heavy rainfall.
Dog access
Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Makahu Road to Te Puia Hut (Lodge)
Time: 2–3 hr
From the end of Makahu Road a track leads up the true right of the Mohaka River to Te Puia Hut.
Te Puia Hut (Lodge) to Mangatainoka Hot Springs
Time: 45 min
From Te Puia Hut the track continues up river, past the turnoff to Makino Hut, and crosses a bridge over the Makino River just above its confluence with the Mohaka River.
The track then continues alongside the Mohaka, through native bush with some rolling terrain. Steep drop-offs in some sections lend nice views of the surrounding foothills. There is a final steep descent to reach the hot springs.
At the hot springs, there are 3 pools surrounded by a decking area. These pools have valves to control water flow and to empty the tubs. The hot springs are on a small manuka terrace beside the Mohaka River.
The Mangatainoka Hot Springs Campsite is adjacent to the pools.
If you wish to travel up the river from the hot springs, it's private land and prior permission from the landowner is required.
Getting there
Getting to Makahu Road
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. 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 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
Wasp populations may increase in the warmer months – wear light-coloured clothing and carry appropriate medication.
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.
