Kuripapango tramping tracks
Located in Kaweka Forest Park in the Hawke’s Bay region
Introduction
There are a variety of options for day or overnight trips from Kuripapango/Castle Rocks Road. Some are round trips and some link with other road ends or access points to Kaweka Forest Park.Walking and tramping
Advanced: Tramping trackDog access
There are a variety of options for day or overnight trips in the Kuripapango area. Some are round trips and some link with other road ends or access points to the Park.
Lakes carpark to the Lakes
Time: 30 min
The track to the lakes heads left from the carpark. It passes through kanuka and hardwood forest, and after 30 minutes branches left and descends to the western lake. The lakes were formed many thousands of years ago as a result of the damming of 2 streams by debris from a massive slip off Mt Kuripapango. Although small the lakes are of considerable ecological and botanical significance, for the large number of plant species and vegetation types in the immediate surrounds.
Although the level of the western lake fluctuates there is generally a sandy shoreline, where there is opportunity for picnics, fishing and walking. Visitors should take care not to damage the ecologically important flora and fauna surrounding the lakes by walking and trampling on the area.
Lakes carpark to Mt Kuripapango
Time: 2 - 3 hr
A strenuous but rewarding walk from the Lakes Carpark is to the top of Mt Kuripapango (1250 metres). This track zigzags through kanuka forest to the main ridge. As the main ridge is climbed, increasingly spectacular views appear; looking down to the lakes and east to Hawke’s Bay. Alpine flowers and tussock are scattered among the scree on top.
From the top an alternative option, instead of returning to the Lakes Carpark, is to descend the southern side of Mt Kuripapango, to Cameron Carpark on the Napier Taihape road. A track to Kiwi Saddle Hut, and the southern end of the Kaweka Range, continues to the northwest from the junction of Mt Kuripapango with the Lakes carpark track.
Lakes carpark to Mackintosh carpark via Mackintosh Hut
Time: 5 - 6 hr
To reach the hut, drop downhill to the right of the carpark through pine trees to reach the Tutaekuri River. Cross the river, then climb through kanuka then beech forest over several ridges. Follow a tributary stream until it reaches a track branch. Mackintosh Hut is on the track branching to the right, the left track provides access to the Kaweka Range. From Mackintosh Hut follow the track to the Mackintosh Carpark (the distance by road between the carparks is 2.5 kilometres).
Lakes carpark loop to "The Tits” and Rogue Ridge
Time: 3 - 4 hr
A return track with river crossings through manuka and beech forest and open tops offering expansive views.
Mackintosh carpark to Mackintosh Hut
Time: 2 - 3 hr
The track drops down a steep but well graded track to the Tutaekuri River, climbs to the top of Mackintosh Plateau then continues on the flat through manuka and beech forest and through some open areas to the hut. The Tutaekuri River is crossed by a steel pedestrian bridge.
Mackintosh carpark to Lawrence Road end via Mackintosh Hut and Donald River
Time: 5 - 6 hr
A track through manuka and beech forest offering river scenery.
Kuripapango is located 76 km from Napier on the Napier/Taihape Road.
To reach the Lakes carpark, turn off the Napier-Taihape Road onto Kuripapango Road and follow the signs to Lakes carpark.
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Take the right gear for your trip: Walking and tramping gear lists.
- Tell a trusted person your plans and when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. Send them the information directly, or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk.
- Follow the five essential steps of the Land Safety Code.
Contacts
| Ahuriri / Napier Office | |
| Phone: | +64 6 834 3111 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | napier@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
59 Marine Parade Napier 4110 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 644 Napier 4140 |
| Full office details | |