Makahu Road Circuit (via Makino Hut and Te Puia Lodge) is an interesting day or overnight trip.

Makahu Road to Makino Hut (Makino Track) or Makino-Te Puia track junction

A short distance after Makahu Road enters the park it climbs to a saddle. It is from this point the track to Makino Hut leaves the road. There is a small carpark, for about 4 vehicles, and an information panel here.

The track leads up a manuka ridge for 20 minutes (plus climb) – from where there are good views of the Mohaka valley and surrounding plateau farmland. Look and listen for fernbirds in the ground level scrubland and listen for kiwi at night. The track continues along a manuka covered flat, then climbs again to a further flat section. Manuka vegetation gives way to red beech as altitude is gained. The track continues past the Middle Hill turnoff to the left, then to the right to Te Puia Lodge.

If you are not planning to visit Makino Hut, then take the turnoff to Te Puia Lodge. Otherwise, continue on Makino Track. About 15 - 20 minutes from this junction, in a small clearing, is Makino Hut.

Makino Hut (or Makino-Te Puia track junction) to Te Puia Lodge

If you went to Makino Hut, return back down Makino Track until you reach the track junction to Te Puia Lodge. Take this track, which descends steeply for around 1.85 km into the Mohaka River valley.

Once the track reaches the valley, it joins Te Puia Track. Follow the track downstream for a short distance, until you reach Te Puia Lodge.

Side-trip: Visit Mangatainoka Hot Springs

From the junction of the track from Makino Hut with Te Puia Track, you can continue upstream to visit Mangatainoka Hot Springs.

The track crosses a bridge over the Makino River just above its confluence with the Mohaka River.

The track then continues alongside the Mohaka, through native bush with some rolling terrain. Steep drop-offs in some sections lend nice views of the surrounding foothills. There is a final steep descent to reach the hot springs.

At the hot springs, there are 3 pools surrounded by a decking area. These pools have valves to control water flow and to empty the tubs. The hot springs are on a small manuka terrace beside the Mohaka River.

The Mangatainoka Hot Springs Campsite is adjacent to the pools. If you wish to travel up the river from the hot springs, it's private land and prior permission from the landowner is required.

Te Puia Lodge to Makahu Road and Mangatutu Hot Springs

From Te Puia Lodge, follow the track down the true right of the Mokaha River to the end of Makahu Road.

Mangatutu Hot Springs Campsite is at the end of the track. A short, steep track descends from the campsite to Mangatutu Hot Springs. Thermal water issues from a deep hole in an undercut bank near the top terrace. The water trickles down a riverside bluff, where it is channelled into two pools.

Makahu Road end back to car park

Return to your starting point by following Makahu Road (either walking or arranging transport). Take care if you plan to walk on the road.

The whole loop can also be done in reverse: Mangatutu to Te Puia, to Makino then out to the road.

Makahu Road is 75 km north-west of Napier. From Napier follow Puketitiri Road for 40 km before turning right into Pakaututu Road. Makahu Road is 9 km on the left.

At the very end of the road, 500 metres from the Mangatutu Hot Springs and camping area, is "The Gums" parking area and shelter. The tracks to Te Puia Lodge and Mangatainoka Hot Springs begin here.

The trip involves about 1 hr of travel on unsealed gravel roads. There is a river ford on Makahu Road 7.5 km from the road end – heavy rain and snow melt can affect the water level.

Makahu Road is steep and narrow in places. It may be slippery when wet. Take extra caution driving this road.
The road is not suitable for caravans or campervans.

Check with Hasting's District Council (external site) for road closures.

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

Expect a rough, slippery track

Parts of this circuit are backcountry tramping tracks and are rough, muddy and slippery (especially after rain). The circuit is best suited to experienced trampers with backcountry skills. You will need sturdy boots with good grip.

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