Mackintosh Hut

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

Mackintosh Hut is located in the mid-southern area of the Kaweka Forest Park.

Facilities: 

  • Wood burning stove – replace firewood for the next occupants.
  • Long drop style toilet.
  • Water from a tank and from a stream close to the hut.

The hut is located on a wide plateau area at the edge of a small pocket of beech forest. The surrounding plateau area is still regenerating after being heavily modified by fire, sheep grazing and introduced plants and animals.

Mackintosh Hut is one of the Kaweka Forest Park’s earlier huts, built in 1959 to assist with deer culling operations. It was upgraded in 2003 and 2009.

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
  • Youth (5–17 years): $5 per night
  • Child/Infant (0–4 years): free

Before you go, buy 1 Standard Hut Ticket (blue for adults, yellow for youth) for each night's stay. Put this in the honesty box at the hut. Or buy a Backcountry Hut Pass that gives unlimited use at most Standard and Serviced huts for a 12 month period.

About hut tickets and passes | Retailers that sell hut tickets and passes

Walking

Mackintosh Hut can be reached from 3 access points in the south.

Lakes Road (2 – 3 hr)

From the carpark the track drops down a steep but well graded track to the Tutaekuri River. There is a bridge to cross the Tutaekuri River. Proceed upstream for a short time before climbing up to the Mackintosh Plateau and continuing onto the flat to Mackintosh Hut.

Lawrence Shelter - Lawrence Roadend (4 hr)

Cross the swing bridge from the roadend and proceed up to Tutaekuri River to reach the Donald River confluence. The route follows the river upstream for approximately 30 minutes. Look for the track to Mackintosh Hut on the true right (west side) of the Donald River and then ascend up to Mackintosh Plateau and the hut.

Makahu Saddle Carpark (3 – 3.5 hr)

Proceed along the Matauria Ridge until meeting the steep descent into the Donald River. From the Donald river climb steeply up onto the Mackintosh Plateau and follow the track to reach Mackintosh Hut.

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. 

Tracks to this hut

Location

NZTopo50 map sheet: BJ37
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1893021, N5641184