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Kaweka Forest Park (Lotkow Road end)
7 km
7 hours
600 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you’re looking for a slice of the North Island that feels truly untouched, where the silence is only broken by the call of a kākā or the rush of water in a deep gorge, then the Donald River Track in the Kaweka Forest Park is calling your name. Tucked away in the rugged heart of the Hawke’s Bay high country, this isn’t your average Sunday stroll. It’s a raw, physical, and deeply rewarding encounter with the wilderness that will leave your legs tired but your soul refreshed.
At just under 7 kilometres return, you might be tempted to think this is a quick trip. However, don't let the distance fool you. With a 600-metre elevation gain and a "hard" difficulty rating, this is an advanced tramping experience that demands respect, fitness, and a good pair of sturdy boots. It’s a journey for those who prefer their trails with a bit of "bite"—where the roots are tangled, the mud is real, and the views are absolutely spectacular.
Your journey begins at the Lotkow Road end, a quiet and scenic spot that serves as the perfect staging ground. Whether you’ve arrived early for a pre-hike picnic or spent the night camping under the vast Kaweka sky, there’s a distinct sense of "getting away from it all" before you even take your first step.
The track itself is a bit of a local secret. While you won't find one single signpost labelled "Donald River Track" at the trailhead, the route primarily utilises the Lotkow Road to Little’s Clearing track. This path acts as your gateway into the wider Donald River catchment. Right from the get-go, the trail asserts its "advanced tramping track" status. You’ll find yourself immediately engaged in a steep, sustained climb as you ascend toward the Black Birch Range.
The terrain is classic New Zealand backcountry. Expect a mix of uneven ground, slippery sections after a bit of rain, and plenty of natural obstacles. The initial climb takes you through dense native bush, where the earthy scent of damp leaf litter and moss fills the air. You’ll wander through a beautiful mix of mānuka and beech forest, with occasional pockets of ancient podocarps standing like sentinels of the forest.
As you gain elevation, the canopy begins to thin, giving way to alpine shrublands and wide-open tussock valleys. This is where the magic really happens. The views begin to stretch out across the vast expanse of the Kaweka Forest Park. You’ll see the distinctive, jagged ranges and the deep, river-carved gorges that define this landscape. The Donald River itself, though often hidden in the valley floor far below, remains a constant presence in the landscape’s character.
Parking is available at the Lotkow Road end, which serves as a pleasant spot for picnicking or camping. Access to Lotkow Road is via Whittle Road, which branches off Puketitiri Road approximately 65 km north-west of Napier. Whittle Road passes through farmland, so please ensure all gates are left as found. Lotkow Road itself is a 7 km gravel road, and while generally accessible, it features two fords that can become impassable after heavy rain. A 4WD vehicle is highly recommended for all access roads within Kaweka Forest Park to ensure safe travel and reduce wear.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Nestor meridionalis
Large forest parrot found in native bush. Loud and social, increasingly common in predator-controlled sanctuaries.
Best time: Year-round
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Out and back
Walking along the Black Birch Range feels like walking on the spine of the world. The wind can whip up here, and the weather is famously fickle, but the sense of isolation and raw beauty is unparalleled. Because this is an out-and-back trail, you’ll have the chance to experience these vistas from both directions, noting how the light changes the colours of the ranges as the day progresses.
The primary highlight of this tramp is the sheer, unadulterated wilderness. Unlike more manicured Great Walks, the Donald River area feels "real."
To reach the trailhead, you’ll need to head approximately 65 kilometres north-west of Napier. The drive itself is a scenic introduction to the Hawke’s Bay backcountry.
Important Vehicle Note: While the road is generally accessible, it features two fords that can become impassable after heavy rain. We highly recommend a 4WD vehicle for all access roads within the Kaweka Forest Park. It provides the necessary clearance for the fords and ensures you won't get stuck if the weather takes a turn.
The Kaweka Forest Park is a stronghold for native birdlife, and the Donald River area is no exception. Because of the remote nature of the track, you have a high chance of some special encounters.
The best time to tackle the Donald River Track is during Spring, Summer, or Autumn.
The Kaweka Forest Park holds a special place in the heart of Hawke’s Bay. For generations, these ranges have been a place of challenge and provision. For Māori, the ranges were traditionally used for seasonal hunting and as transit routes between the coast and the central North Island.
In more recent history, the Kawekas became known for their ruggedness and the "Big Hill" country that tested early colonial explorers and farmers. Today, the park is a hub for conservation, particularly around the protection of the whio and the management of wild deer and pigs. When you walk here, you’re walking through a landscape that is being actively managed to return it to its former glory. The sense of isolation here is a rare commodity in the modern world, making the Donald River area a true "wilderness" experience.
After seven hours of climbing and descending, your appetite will be roaring. Since you’re out in the "wop-wops," there aren't many cafes at the trailhead, but the drive back toward Napier offers some great spots to refuel.
The Donald River Track is a challenge, no doubt about it. But as you stand on that ridge, looking out over the folded green mountains of the Kaweka Forest Park, you’ll realise that every steep step was worth it. It’s New Zealand tramping at its most authentic.
Falco novaeseelandiae
Also known as Kārearea. Fast and agile raptor found in both forest and open country.
Best time: Year-round
Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos
Also known as Whio, featured on the NZ $10 note. Found on fast-flowing mountain rivers.
Best time: Year-round
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round