This track starts at Cameron car park. It climbs steeply through manuka forest, then crosses a broad, tussock saddle and herbfield to reach the summit of Kuripapango. Mt Kuripapango can also be reached by the "Lakes" carpark (allow 3/4 hour to reach Mt Kuripapango). 

From Mt Kuripapango, the track continues northwest along the Smith-Russell Track to reach a high point of 1359 metres. At the next junction, turn left, following the sign towards Cameron Hut (3 hours from this point).

The track descends, passing a turnoff towards the Kiwi Mouth Hut to Kiwi Saddle track. The track drops steeply into Ngaruroro Valley and arrives at Cameron Hut.

There is an alternative route to Cameron Hut via the Ngaruroro River. However, this requires at least 30 river crossings, so it is best suited to people with good river crossing skills and when the river is low and no rain is forecast.

River levels can be checked on the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council website.

Cameron Carpark is located approximately 70 km from Napier on the Napier/Taihape Road (just before Kuripapango).

Be ready for mountain weather

This is a mountainous area. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes, whiteouts, high winds on the ranges and rapidly rising water levels in rivers and streams.

Check the weather before you go. Kaweka J Summit weather forecast

Pack for all conditions and be ready for weather delays, including with an emergency shelter, spare food and a distress beacon. Packing lists

Fires

Extreme fire conditions can exist during summer. The park is a restricted fire area, which means permits to light fires are required all year round.

This is a backcountry tramping track

The Kaweka Forest Park tramping tracks are backcountry tracks. They are typically rough and require high level backcountry skills and experience (including navigation and survival skills). You will need sturdy tramping boots with good grip.

Maps

The Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) topographical maps that cover the Kaweka Forest Park are:

Topo50 map BH36 - Motutere
Topo50 map BH37 - Rangitaiki
Topo50 map BH38 - Te Haroto
Topo50 map BJ36 - Tawake Tohunga
Topo50 map BJ37 - Kuripapango
Topo50 map BJ38 - Te Pohue
Topo50 map BK37 - Tikokino