A track leads from the end of Comet Road to the Taruarau River and on to Shutes Hut in the northern Ruahine Forest Park.

Shutes Hut is a quaint historic building made of local stone and cement mortar. It was built in 1920 and used first as a rabbiters hut and then by musterers. The hut is maintained to ensure its historic integrity is retained.

Note: Comet Hut has been removed from the end of Comet Road. It is still marked on the map, but there is no hut or shelter at this site. The hut has been relocated beside the Ngaruroro River and renamed Komata Hut. 

Turn off the Taihape Napier Road onto Comet Road. The Comet Road turn off is about 70 km (1 hr 15 min drive time) from Hastings. Follow Comet Road until the end (3 km).

A forestry gate has been installed at the start of Comet Road to allow for closure in the event of unsafe road conditions. If the road is closed, an alert will be displayed on this page.   

Stay safe when crossing rivers

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely