McKinnon Hut Track
Track category
Tramping track
Time:
4 - 6 hr
Description
A track just before Kawhatau Base heads down to a cableway across the Kawhatau River. Use this if the river is up otherwise take the easier option of crossing the river. A steep climb up the ridge opposite eventually takes you to the tussock tops of the Hikurangi Range. The track to Crow Hut turns off approximately 3 - 4 hr from the start. Continue past this and on up to McKinnon Hut. Due to travel on the open tops this hike should not be attempted in poor visibility or bad weather.
Getting there
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 which becomes Rangitane Road. Follow this through to the road end.
You must cross private land to get to the Kawhatau Base carpark. You must contact the landowners to make prior arrangements for access. The gate will be locked so if you haven't made arrangements you will not be able to enter. Contact details are available from the Department of Conservation's Manawatū Rangitīkei Area Office.
Please stop at the gate to sign in the intentions book and leave gates as you find them.
Places to stay
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.
Plan and prepare
Location map
