Mangakukeke Road end 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.

Purity Hut to McKinnon Hut

Time: 4-6 hr

The track follows on up the a tussock ridge from Purity Hut to Wooden Peg (1672 m).

From here turn left along the tops of the range - head northeast to Iron Peg (1703 m) and on past small tarns to Mangaweka Trig (1733 m), the highest point in the Ruahine Forest Park.

Travel is then possible right along the open tussock tops of the Hikurangi Range to McKinnon Hut sitting just above the bushline down a short side ridge at the northern end. Some lovely tarns are passed on the way. Due to travel on the unmarked open tops this section should not be attempted in poor visibility or bad weather. Snow can occur any time of year.

McKinnon Hut to Kawhatau Base

Time: 4-6 hr

Walk back on the McKinnon Hut Track along the crest of the Hikurangi Range from McKinnon Hut and down the long ridge to the cableway across the Kawhatau River. Unless the river is up, it is easy to walk across the river here.  See guidance on using the cableway under 'Know before you go'. 

Kawhatau Base

Kawhatau Base to Rangitane Road bridge

Time: 4-6 hr

From Kawhatau Base, go through the gate and down to the Kawhatau River. Head downstream for approximately 9.5 km to the Rangitane Road bridge. Beware this route may not be accessible during times of high river flow.

You will need to make transport arrangements as the start and end points of this hike are different. You must make prior arrangements to cross private land at the Purity Hut end of the trip.

Mangakukeke Road End (Purity End Access)

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.

Kawhatau Base (Rangitane Road Access)

There has previously been vehicle access to Kawhatau Base through private land but this access is no longer available. Access is now available via a 9 km walk up the Kawhatau River, starting where the Rangitane Road bridge crosses the Kawhatau River. Beware this route may not be accessible during times of high river flow.

To get to the Rangitane Road bridge, head just 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. Be aware there is no car park.

Access to Purity Hut involves first gaining permission to walk across an active working farm.

Hazards

The farm is an active workplace. Hazards change daily and may include moving stock, farm vehicles, electric fences, irrigation equipment, uneven ground, and chemicals used for pest or weed control. Animals may react unpredictably to people, dogs, or sudden movements, even if they appear calm.

• Always stick to the marked routes
• Leave gates exactly as you find them
• Keep well clear of machinery
• Closely supervise children at all times

Dogs

If your dog has been permitted (check with the landowner when you request access permission) keep it under strict control. Dogs can frighten/injure livestock very quickly.

Firearms prohibited

Visitors must not hunt or bring loaded firearms onto private property, nor use spotlights or light fires.

Sick/dead farm animals

Occasionally, walkers may come across a sick or dead animal on farmland. If this happens to you, do not touch the animal, as there may be disease risks or other hazards. Notify the farmer or land manager as soon as possible.

Ongoing access 

Respecting farm rules and reporting concerns helps protect your own safety, supports animal welfare, and ensures farms can continue to be shared responsibly with the public.

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

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.