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Kaweka Forest Park (Comet Road end)
12 km
8 hours
932 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a track that truly tests your mettle while rewarding you with some of the most pristine backcountry scenery in the Hawke's Bay, the Komata Hut Track is calling your name. Tucked away in the rugged embrace of the Kaweka Forest Park, this is not your average Sunday stroll. It is an advanced tramping experience that demands respect, fitness, and a decent pair of lungs.
The adventure begins at the end of Comet Road, where the air feels just a little bit sharper and the silence of the wilderness takes over. From the outset, the track doesn't shy away from its "hard" rating. You’ll start with a steady climb through a mix of pine forest and native regrowth, winding your way upward toward the Komata high point, which sits at a respectable 1083 metres. On a clear day, the views from the ridgeline across the crumpled velvet hills of the Kawekas are nothing short of spectacular.
Once you reach the high point, you’ll navigate a series of undulating sections. Keep your eyes peeled for the crucial track junction. While the main path carries on toward Shutes Hut, your journey to Komata Hut requires a sharp turn and a deep breath. This is where the real work begins. You are about to embark on a steep, strenuous descent into the Ngaruroro Valley.
The terrain here is "classic Kaweka"—rough, often muddy, and potentially very slippery, especially if the Hawke's Bay skies have opened up recently. There are newly cut sections of track that can be loose underfoot, so take your time. You’ll feel the elevation change in your knees as you drop nearly 1000 metres from the high point down toward the river. It’s a physical challenge that requires constant focus, but as the manuka and kanuka forest begins to close in around you, the sense of isolation and peace is incredible.
The track is an out-and-back affair, covering roughly 12km in total. While some fit trampers might tackle this as a gruelling 8-hour day trip, many locals prefer to make it an overnight stay. There is something uniquely special about reaching the hut, hearing the roar of the Ngaruroro River nearby, and knowing you don't have to face that massive climb back out until tomorrow morning.
Parking is available at the very end of Comet Road, which branches off the Taihape Napier Road. The turn-off to Comet Road is approximately 70 km (about a 1 hour 15 minute drive) from Hastings. It's recommended that you use a 4WD vehicle for safe travel on Comet Road, which is a 3 km track. Be aware that a forestry gate has been installed at the start of Comet Road and may be closed in the event of unsafe road conditions.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Apteryx mantelli
The kiwi is New Zealand's national icon, a nocturnal and flightless bird known for its long, sensitive beak with nostrils at the tip, used to sniff out food.
Best time: Year-round
Falco novaeseelandiae
Also known as Kārearea. Fast and agile raptor found in both forest and open country.
Best time: Year-round
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Out and back
The undisputed crown jewel of this hike is the Komata Hut itself. This isn't just any backcountry shelter; it’s a piece of living history. Originally known as Comet Hut, this 6-bunk standard hut was relocated and meticulously restored in early 2024. The coolest part? The restoration was carried out by an all-female team of Backcountry Trust volunteers. They managed to retain many of the hut’s original features while giving it a new lease on life. Sitting in a clearing about 30 metres above the river, the hut is a testament to the Kiwi spirit of conservation and hard work.
Another highlight is the Ngaruroro River. One of the North Island’s great wild rivers, its waters are crystal clear and offer a sense of raw, untamed beauty. The clearing around the hut, surrounded by manuka and kanuka, is the perfect spot to soak your tired feet or simply sit in silence and listen to the water rushing over the stones.
For the photographers and vista-seekers, the Komata high point provides the best "hero shot" of the trip. The transition from the commercial pine forest into the sub-alpine shrublands offers a fascinating look at the region's diverse ecology, with the vast expanse of the Kaweka Range stretching out toward the horizon.
Getting to the trailhead is an adventure in its own right. The Komata Hut Track is accessed via the Comet Road end, which branches off the Napier-Taihape Road (famously known by locals as the "Gentle Annie").
From Hastings, it’s about a 70km drive, which usually takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Once you turn onto Comet Road, things get a bit more "off-road." This 3km track is strictly 4WD territory. The surface can be uneven and steep, so don't try to tackle this in a low-clearance city car.
At the very start of Comet Road, there is a forestry gate. Be aware that this gate may be closed if road conditions are deemed unsafe or during periods of high fire risk. It’s always a good idea to check the latest updates from the Department of Conservation (DOC) before you head out. Parking is available at the very end of the road, right where the track begins.
The Kaweka Forest Park is a haven for native birdlife, and if you move quietly, you’ll be well-rewarded. The most common companions on your trek will be the inquisitive Fantail (Pīwakawaka) and the vocal Tūī. You’ll likely hear the chime of the Bellbird (Korimako) echoing through the beech trees and see the heavy-winged Kererū (NZ Pigeon) swooping between branches.
Keep a sharp eye out for the North Island Robin (Toutouwai). These friendly little birds are known to hop right up to trampers to see if your boots have stirred up any tasty insects in the leaf litter. If you are lucky—and very quiet—you might spot the New Zealand Falcon (Kārearea) soaring above the high points, hunting with incredible speed.
While extremely rare to see during the day, this area is also home to the North Island Brown Kiwi. If you choose to stay overnight at the hut, keep your ears open after dark; the shrill whistle of a male or the lower, raspy growl of a female kiwi is a sound you’ll never forget.
The Komata Hut Track is best tackled in Spring, Summer, or Autumn.
Please note that this track is not dog-friendly and, due to the steepness and technical nature of the terrain, it is not recommended for children.
The Kaweka Range holds deep significance for the local iwi (tribes) and has a storied history of both Māori and European use. The name "Kaweka" itself refers to the "fringes" or the "spreading out" of the hills. Traditionally, these mountains were used for seasonal hunting and as a transit route between the Hawke's Bay and the central North Island.
In more recent history, the area was the site of extensive wilding pine control and restoration projects. The relocation of the Komata Hut is a beautiful example of the "can-do" backcountry culture in New Zealand. By preserving these huts, the Backcountry Trust ensures that the heritage of the "NZ Forest Service" era lives on, providing shelter for the next generation of explorers.
The Ngaruroro River, which you’ll visit at the bottom of the track, is currently the subject of significant conservation efforts to protect its "outstanding" values, including its braids and its status as a prime habitat for native species.
After 900+ metres of vertical climbing, your legs are going to be screaming for some TLC—and your stomach will likely be empty.
On your drive back toward Hastings, make a stop at Roosters Brewhouse in Hastings. It’s a local favourite for a reason; the atmosphere is laid-back, and their range of craft beers is the perfect way to toast your successful mission.
If you’re after a caffeine fix and a hearty meal, head into Havelock North to Workroom or Maina. They serve up fantastic coffee and substantial brunch options that are perfect for hungry hikers. For those heading further afield or back toward the Napier end, a quick stop at a local fruit stall for some world-famous Hawke's Bay apples or stone fruit is a must to replenish those vitamins!
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
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
Petroica longipes
Friendly forest bird that often approaches walkers. Found in native bush reserves across the North Island.
Best time: Year-round
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
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