Image: DOC | DOC
A green coloured single storey building in a clearing next to a forest.
Kawhatau Base

Located in Ruahine Forest Park in the Manawatu/Whanganui region

Kawhatau Base is a former Forest Service base in the remote northwest Ruahine Forest Park. It’s a great base to explore the Hikurangi Range.

Kawhatau Base is a former Forest Service base set in a grassy clearing just above the Kawhatau River. Nestled at the foot of the Hikurangi Range, it provides a great base for tramping, hunting and fishing trips.

Facilities

  • The hut is heated by two wood burners. One is in the main kitchen area that has a wetback for heating water and another wood burner in the living/bunk room.
  • The large bunk room sleeps six.
  • The smaller bunk room sleeps two
  • Firewood is not provided.
  • Basic kitchen facilities are provided.
  • You may be able to cook on the wood burner, but a portable cooker is recommended.
  • Candle holders are provided throughout all rooms. There is no electricity at the hut.
  • The bathroom has a flush toilet and bath.

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
  • Youth (5–17 years): $5 per night
  • Child/Infant (0–4 years): free

Before you go, buy 1 Standard Hut Ticket (blue for adults, yellow for youth) for each night's stay. Put this in the honesty box at the hut. Or buy a Backcountry Hut Pass that gives unlimited use at most Standard and Serviced huts for a 12 month period.

About hut tickets and passes | Retailers that sell hut tickets and passes

Kawhatau Base is located in the Ruahine Forest (West) Conservation Area, at the base of the Hikurangi Range. There is no vehicle access.

Access is only by a 9 km walk up the Kawhatau River. This river route is not a DOC managed track – do not expect DOC markers or track formation. It's generally easy to follow. How to cross rivers safely.

It’s dangerous to cross or follow the river when the water level is high which can occur during or after heavy rain.

Directions

To get to Kawhatau Base, turn east off SH1 just north of Mangaweka. Cross the Rangitikei River and follow Kawhatau Valley Road. This eventually leads to Upper Kawhatau Valley Road, which becomes Rangitane Road.

There are then two options to walk up to Kawhatau Base.

From the twin bridges

  • Enter the river at the second bridge, which is just past the turn-off to Smith’s Road. There is no carpark at this location.
  • From this entry point, it is a 9 km walk up the Kawhatau River.

From the Rangitane Reserve

  • From the twin bridges, continue to drive up Rangitane Road until you reach the Rangitane Reserve sign.
  • There is an unmarked track close to the reserve sign that leads down to the Kawhatau River.
  • From this entry point it is a 5km walk up the Kawhatau River to the cableway.

Both options involve exiting the river at the cableway. See guidance on using the cableway under 'Know before you go'. 

From this point, a steep track exits the river and leads to the hut.

Location

NZTM: 1860690 5594431

No mobile phone coverage at Kawhatau Base.

The adjacent farmland is private property and cannot be accessed.

Wasps may be present during the summer months.

Using the cableway

A cableway is used to cross rivers on this trip. Take time to read the on-site instructions and familiarise yourself with the operation of the cableway before crossing

Use of this cableway carries risks, so follow the operating instructions carefully.

It is recommended that you do not use this cableway unless part of a larger party or carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB).

Never place your hands on main cable, and keep hands, clothing and long hair clear of all wheels.

In the event of an emergency where the carriage becomes stuck, remain where you are and activate your PLB or have your party seek help.