Matauria Ridge Track (Makahu Saddle to Mackintosh Track Junction)
WalkHawke's Bay
- Grade
- Advanced
- Distance
- 5.07 km
- Dogs
- DOC permit only
Access: read before you go
We recommend 4WD vehicles to reduce wear on the road and safe travel.
Extreme fire conditions can exist during summer. The park is a restricted fire area, which means permits to light fires are required all year round.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzKaweka Road is located 65 km north-west of Napier. From Napier follow Puketitiri Road for 36 km before turning left into Whittle Road. Kaweka Road is the first road on the right.
Whittle Road passes partly through farmland, to the park entrance (please leave all gates as found).
This road may be closed at times due to snow and ice.
We recommend 4WD vehicles to reduce wear on the road and safe travel.
Kaweka Forest Park access conditions
We recommend 4WD vehicles to reduce wear on the road and safe travel. Lotkow Road: The river crossings are regularly changing, check before crossing. Lakes carpark is accessible via Kuripapango road. The previous access Castle Rock road is now closed due to ongoing forestry operations. Lawrence Carpark access road: The last 600 m of the road is steep and not recommended for 2WD vehicles - a parking space is available before the descent. The Lawrence swing bridge has been removed. Mackintosh car park is currently closed due to ongoing forestry operations. A new parking location can be located at a skid site near the closed gate (end of Kuripapango Road), this will add on 500 m walking to reach the start of the track. Whittle Road: Be aware of trucks using the quarry. Give them right of way where possible.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map and tracks
Track lines: DOC Te Papa Atawhai. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 39.30949° S, 176.41487° E
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About this place
This track connects Makahu Saddle with Mackintosh Track Junction, via Matauria Ridge
The route
From the Makahu Saddle carpark, a track leads to Ngahere Base (the former hydrological survey base) then follows an old road down to the stream. Across the bridge, the Matauria Ridge Track turns to the right (the Ngahere Loop Track climbs straight ahead). From this wide, open ridge there are fine views into the beech forested Donald catchment, back to Makahu Saddle and across to the main Kaweka Range. The track descends steeply off the ridge and into Donald River valley. It crosses the river – there is no bridge, so assess the river carefully before crossing. If in doubt, stay out. Cyclone damage has changed the entry and exit points, so care needs to be taken as to where to exit the river. The track then climbs the other side of the valley to the plateau. It reaches a track junction with the track from Lakes carpark to Mackintosh carpark via Mackintosh Hut . This junction is not far from Mackintosh Hut.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Know before you go
Be ready for mountain weather
This is a mountainous area. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes, whiteouts, high winds on the ranges and rapidly rising water levels in rivers and streams. Check the weather before you go. Kaweka J Summit weather forecast Pack for all conditions and be ready for weather delays, including with an emergency shelter, spare food and a distress beacon. Packing lists
Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross. Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out. How to cross rivers safely NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows
Expect a rough, slippery track
This is a backcountry tramping track and it is rough, muddy and slippery (especially after rain). It is best suited to experienced trampers with backcountry skills. You will need sturdy boots with good grip.
Fires
Extreme fire conditions can exist during summer. The park is a restricted fire area, which means permits to light fires are required all year round.
Maps
The Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) topographical maps that cover the Kaweka Forest Park are: Topo50 map BH36 - Motutere Topo50 map BH37 - Rangitaiki Topo50 map BH38 - Te Haroto Topo50 map BJ36 - Tawake Tohunga Topo50 map BJ37 - Kuripapango Topo50 map BJ38 - Te Pohue Topo50 map BK37 - Tikokino
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Joins these tracks
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Black Birch Bivouac
Basic/bivvies • 2 bunks • Hawke's Bay • 2.2 km
Black Birch Bivouac is a basic two-bunk hut located in the Hawke's Bay region.
Mattresses
Mackintosh Hut
Standard • 8 bunks • Hawke's Bay • 2.6 km
Mackintosh Hut is a hut located in the mid-southern area of the Kaweka Forest Park in Hawke's Bay.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Makahu Saddle Hut
Standard • 4 bunks • Hawke's Bay • 2.6 km
Makahu Saddle Hut is located in Hawke's Bay within a mixed forest of red and mountain beech. It sits below the steep eroded scree slopes of the main Kaweka…
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Dominie Hut
Basic/bivvies • 2 bunks • Hawke's Bay • 3.7 km
Dominie Hut is a DOC hut located in the eastern Kaweka Forest Park in Hawke's Bay. It is an 80 minute walk from the Makahu Saddle Hut and the roadend.
Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Studholme Saddle Hut
Standard • 4 bunks • Hawke's Bay • 4.5 km
Studholme Saddle Hut is a Department of Conservation hut located on the western side of the main Kaweka Range in Hawke's Bay. It sits south of Kaweka J.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Walks nearby
Dons Stream Walk
Advanced • 1 hr return • 2.54 km away
Trials Spur Track
Advanced • 2-3 hr • 2.54 km away
Lotkow Road to Little's Clearing
Advanced • 3 - 4 hr one way • 2.82 km away
Mackintosh carpark to Mackintosh Hut
Advanced • 2-3 hrs • 3.4 km • 4.12 km away
Mackintosh carpark to Lawrence Road end via Mackintosh Hut and Donald River
Advanced • 5-6 hrs • 4.35 km away
Notes from people who have been
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Sources
- DOC Tracks (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).