McKinnon Hut Track
Located in Ruahine Forest Park in the Manawatu/Whanganui region
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Introduction
Perched on the northern end of the Hikurangi Range in Ruahine Forest Park, McKinnon Hut is accessed via a long ridge climbing up from the Kawhatau Valley. Stay a night and return the same way.Dog access
Walk approximately 8 km up the Kawhatau River. The track to McKinnon Hut begins on the true left of the river with a steep climb up the ridge. This eventually takes you to the tussock tops of the Hikurangi Range. Continue past the turnoff to Crow Hut then drop down to McKinnon Hut.
Alternatively, you can make the trip over two days. To do this, continue on in the river for another 1.5 km and spend a night at Kawhatau Base, before crossing the river and heading up the ridge to the McKinnon Hut Track.
Beware, this trip may not be possible during times of high river flow.
Due to travel on the open tops this hike should not be attempted in poor visibility or bad weather.
Access through private land at Rangitane Road end is no longer available. Access to the McKinnon Hut Track is now available via the Kawhatau River, starting at the Rangitane Road bridge.
To get to the Rangitane Road bridge, head north from Mangaweka and turn right off SH1. Cross the Rangitikei River and follow Kawhatau Valley Road. This eventually leads to Upper Kawhatau Valley Road which becomes Rangitane Road. The bridge is just past the turn off to Smiths Road. There is no car park.
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
| Te Papaioea / Palmerston North Office | |
| Phone: | +64 6 350 9700 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | manawatu@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
28 North Street Palmerston North 4410 |
| Postal Address: |
Private Bag 11010 Manawatu Mail Centre Palmerston North 4442 |
| Full office details | |