Image: Lauren Bucholz | DOC
Mangatutu Hot Springs.
Mangatutu Hot Springs Campsite

Located in Kaweka Forest Park in the Hawke’s Bay region

This is a popular camping, picnic and fishing spot, and a starting point for tramping, hunting or day walks up the Mohaka River and into the Kaweka Forest Park.

Other facilities

  • Picnic table and shelter
  • Toilets

Fees

Free. 

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.

Location

NZTM2000 coordinates: E1898608, N5657147
Latitude: -39.18229238, Longitude: 176.45897967

Water can be gathered from the stream at the road end. There are signs showing the way here. There's no need to collect water from Mohaka River.

Fishing

The river offers rainbow and brown trout.

Hunting

Hunt sika and red deer in the park.

Thermal springs

A short, steep track descends from the campsite to Mangatutu Hot Springs. Thermal water issues from a deep hole in an undercut bank near the top terrace. The water trickles down a riverside bluff, where it is channelled into two pools.

Walking and tramping

Te Puia Hut Track and Mangatainoka Hot Springs