From the Makaroro River where it meets Gold Creek, a track starts on the true right of Gold Creek and follows a long gentle ridge through beech forest with horopito undergrowth. It turns right and descends to the hut which is on the true left of Gold Creek.

A round trip (6-7 hours) can be completed here by returning down Gold Creek. This river route is not recommended for the inexperienced. Time given is from road end.

Wakarara Road is approximately 75 km from Napier. Turn onto Wakarara Road from SH50 and follow for approximately 26.5 km to the end of Wakarara Road.

There is no vehicle access to the Ruahine Forest Park from the Wakarara Roadend. You will need to cross the Makaroro River.

From the carpark, follow a poled route (marked with orange track markers) along the farmers fence line and through a paddock down to the river.

This track requires crossing the Makaroro River or a walk up the riverbed. It is dangerous to attempt to cross the river when the water level is higher than normal.