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Kaweka Forest Park (Kaweka Road end)
7 km
4 hours
450 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a slice of the Hawke’s Bay backcountry that feels a world away from the manicured vineyards and coastal promenades of Napier, the Ferny Ridge Track is calling your name. Nestled in the rugged heart of the Kaweka Forest Park, this is a trail for those who prefer the sound of wind through the beech trees over the chatter of crowds.
The Kaweka Ranges are legendary among New Zealand trampers for their raw beauty, challenging weather, and "true blue" wilderness character. The Ferny Ridge Track, while shorter than some of the multi-day epics in the park, offers a perfect four-hour window into this wild landscape. It’s a moderate challenge that rewards the adventurous with a deep sense of solitude and a genuine connection to the ngahere (forest).
Your journey begins at the Kaweka Road end, a high-altitude gateway that already feels like you’ve stepped into another world. The air here is crisp, often carrying the scent of damp earth and mountain beech. The initial section of the track is a classic New Zealand forest experience. You’ll find yourself winding through dense, cathedral-like stands of beech forest. The path is often narrow, gently "sidling"—or hugging—the contours of the hills. It’s the kind of trail where you need to watch your footing; roots and stones are part of the charm, and in true Kaweka fashion, things can get a bit "claggy" or muddy after a decent rainfall.
As you push further in, the track begins its steady climb. With an elevation gain of 450 metres, your lungs will certainly feel the work, but the environment keeps you distracted. You’ll notice the transition in the vegetation as you climb higher. The lush, lower-altitude forest begins to give way to hardier species.
One of the unique quirks of the Ferny Ridge Track is its transition from a well-maintained path to something a little more "off-piste." As you approach the ridge, the track can become less defined. You might find yourself following perimeter fences that border neighbouring farmland. This is where your inner explorer needs to wake up. The clear, orange-triangled path might diminish, requiring you to keep a keen eye on your surroundings. Having a topo map or a GPS is highly recommended here, as the track takes on a more exploratory character. It’s not a "follow the pavement" type of walk; it’s a "find your way" type of adventure.
Parking is available at the Kaweka Road end, which is a common access point for various tracks within Kaweka Forest Park.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
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
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Out and back
Once you gain the ridge itself, the forest opens up into sub-alpine shrublands and areas of tussock. The views start to peek through the canopy—dramatic glimpses of the wider Kaweka Range and its formidable peaks. It’s a rugged, untamed landscape that makes you feel small in the best possible way.
The standout feature of this walk is undoubtedly the panoramic views from the ridge. While you aren't standing on the highest peak in the park, the elevation is enough to give you a spectacular perspective of the Hawke’s Bay backcountry. On a clear day, the sight of the jagged Kaweka skyline against a bright blue sky is a photographer’s dream.
Beyond the views, the botanical diversity is a major drawcard. You’ll walk through a living tapestry of native flora. Keep an eye out for the majestic red and mountain beech trees, and as the forest thins, look for regenerating mānuka and the hardy alpine herbs that cling to the upper reaches. For many, the highlight is the solitude. Unlike the more famous Great Walks, you are likely to have Ferny Ridge almost entirely to yourself, save for the local birdlife.
To get to the trailhead, you’ll need to head inland from Napier or Hastings towards the Kaweka Forest Park. Follow Puketitiri Road, eventually turning onto Kaweka Road. Be prepared for some unsealed (gravel) sections as you get closer to the park; while usually accessible by standard cars, it’s worth taking it slow.
The Kaweka Road end serves as a popular hub for several adventures, including the walk to Littles Clearing and the more strenuous climb to Makahu Saddle. Parking is available here, though facilities are basic. Think of it as a functional "launchpad" rather than a visitor centre—make sure you’ve used the loo and sorted your gear before you arrive!
The Kaweka Forest Park is a haven for native birds, and the Ferny Ridge Track provides an excellent soundtrack of birdsong.
Top Tip: The best time for birdwatching is early morning or late afternoon when the forest is most "vocal." Bring a pair of compact binoculars if you have them!
The Ferny Ridge Track is best tackled in Spring, Summer, or Autumn.
Safety Note: This track is not recommended for children due to the navigational challenges and the rugged nature of the terrain. It is also a no-dogs area to protect the sensitive native wildlife and local farm stock.
The name Kaweka is Māori for "many ridges," which perfectly describes the folded, mountainous terrain of this region. The area holds significant cultural importance to local iwi (tribes) and has a long history of being used for seasonal hunting and transit.
Geologically, the range is part of the North Island’s axial spine, made up primarily of ancient, uplifted greywacke. In the mid-20th century, the Kawekas suffered from significant erosion due to introduced pests like deer and goats, but decades of dedicated conservation work by the Department of Conservation and local volunteers have seen the forest bounce back beautifully. Today, it stands as a testament to the resilience of the New Zealand bush.
After four hours of ridge-climbing and bush-bashing, you’ll likely have worked up a massive appetite. On your drive back towards Napier, there are a couple of legendary spots to refuel:
The Ferny Ridge Track is more than just a walk; it’s a taste of the "old school" New Zealand tramping experience. It requires a bit of fitness, a bit of navigation, and a whole lot of appreciation for the wild. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and find some true Hawke's Bay solitude, this is the ridge for you.
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
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 septentrionalis
A large, intelligent forest parrot that uses its strong beak to extract grubs and its brush-like tongue for nectar.
Best time: Year-round