Purity - Kelly Knight Hut Loop Track
Located in Ruahine Forest Park in the Manawatu/Whanganui region
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Introduction
A loop track that takes in the Pourangaki River valley and the open tops of the Hikurangi Range in the Ruahine Forest Park.Seasonal restrictions
Access is closed from 1 June to 31 October and may be closed at other times of the year for farm management purposes.
At all times, you must get approval prior to accessing from the farm manager.
Dog access
Day 1: Mangakukeke Roadend to Purity Hut
Time: 3 - 4 hr
Climb the marked Purity Hut Track through farmland and forest to Purity Hut, nestled above the bushline on the Hikurangi Range.
Day 2: Purity Hut to Kelly Knight Hut
Time: 4 - 5 hr
The track follows on up a tussock ridge from Purity Hut to Wooden Peg (1672 m). From here a roughly poled route heads south, then descends through forest to Kelly Knight Hut in the Pourangaki River valley. Due to travel on the open tops this section should not be attempted in poor visibility or bad weather.
Day 3: Kelly Knight Hut to Mangakukeke Roadend
Time: 3 hr 30 min - 4 hr 30 min
Walk the sidle Kelly Knight Track out from Kelly Knight Hut to the entrance point on Kohunui Station and then follow the farm road back out to the Purity carpark.
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.
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 | |