Follow the poled route across farmland from the carpark. After an initial flat section of 30-40 minutes, the track climbs steeply for another 30-40 minutes to reach the Ruahine Forest Park boundary. From here the track climbs up through the red beech and kaikawaka forest at reasonably steep grade until reaching Purity Hut amongst the tussock.

To tramp to Mangaweka Trig from Purity Hut allow another 2 hr. Other options exist to hike over the Hikurangi Range and down to Waterfall Hut in the Upper Kawhatau River, along the Hikurangi Range to McKinnon Hut and via Wooden Peg on the Hikurangi Range down to Kelly Knight Hut in the Pourangaki River. These trips are all classified as routes due to travel on the often unmarked open tops and should not be attempted in poor visibility.

Heading just north from Mangaweka turn right off SH1, cross the Rangitikei River and follow Kawhatau Valley Road. This eventually leads to Upper Kawhatau Valley Road and not far past this turn right onto Mangakukeke Road. Follow this to the carpark at the end.

Access is closed from 1 June to 31 October and may be closed at other times of the year for farm management purposes.

You need permission to get access to the hut

You can arrange access by phoning the farm owner and requesting access over the farm at least 48 hours before your visit. The continued use of access across this farm is dependent on every party gaining permission from the farm owner every time.

Contact DOC Manawatu Office for contact details of the farm owner.

Be aware of hazards such as livestock and electric fences.

Visitors must not hunt or bring loaded firearms on to private property, use spotlights or light fires.

Abuse of access will result in trespass prosecution, and permanent closure of public access.