Follow the Makahu Spur Track from the carpark. After 5 minutes turn to the left and follow a wide, grassy track. This sidles through open, sub alpine country first, then mountain beech forest to a pleasant picnic spot on Dons Stream. This stream is the headwaters of the Donald River.

If you plan to follow Dons Stream from the end of this track, be cautious around stream crossings.

Kaweka Road is located 65 km north-west of Napier. From Napier follow Puketitiri Road for 36 km before turning left into Whittle Road. Kaweka Road is the first road on the right.

Whittle Road passes partly through farmland before reaching the park entrance (please leave all gates as found).

This road may be closed at times during winter because of snow.

Be ready for mountain weather

This is a mountainous area. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes.

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

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.

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