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 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.

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.