Kaweka Flats Track

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

This track sidles through beech forest, in and out of side stream gullies, in a northerly direction towards Kaweka Flats Bivouac.

This benched track leaves from behind Makahu Saddle Hut. The vegetation on the main track gradually changes to thick regenerating manuka.

About 40 minutes from the saddle the track descends to a large creek and heads up to a large manuka covered plateau. Kaweka Flats, a large grassy clearing at the base of Dicks Spur, is 10 minutes from here. A small bivouac is located on the clearing.

Further afield

To the north, the track continues from Kaweka Flats to Middle Hill Hut, climbs over to Ballard Hut and returns along the main range. A trip from Makahu Saddle to Makahu Road in the north east of the park, via Kaweka Flats and Middle Hill Hut, is a good day or overnight possibility. There are also good tramping options from Ballard and Middle Hill to the remote north western area of the park.

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. Leave all gates as found.

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

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.