Loading...
Ruahine Forest Park
17.6 km
11 hours
1640 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a true-blue New Zealand tramping experience that will test your mettle and leave your quads screaming for mercy, the Leon Kinvig Hut Track via Knights Track is calling your name. Located in the rugged heart of the Ruahine Forest Park, this isn't your average weekend stroll. It is a demanding, 17.6-kilometre out-and-back journey that requires a high level of fitness, navigation skills, and a genuine love for the steep stuff.
The adventure begins at the Limestone Road car park. From the moment you step onto the trail, the Ruahines make their intentions clear: you’re going up. Knights Track is legendary among local trampers for its "direct" approach. Forget about gentle zigzags or leisurely switchbacks; this track tackles the spur head-on. You’ll find yourself climbing through a beautiful, dense canopy of native beech forest, where the air is cool and the ground is often a complex lattice of roots and leaf litter.
As you gain elevation, the ngahere (forest) begins to change. The tall beech trees give way to the hardy, stunted sub-alpine scrub known as leatherwood (Olearia colensoi). For the uninitiated, leatherwood is the gatekeeper of the Ruahine ranges—tough, springy, and iconic to this part of the country. Emerging from the scrub onto the open tops of the Ngamoko Range is a moment you won’t soon forget. On a clear day, the 360-degree views are staggering. To the west, the Manawatū plains stretch out toward the Tasman Sea, while to the north and west, the volcanic peaks of Mount Taranaki and Mount Ruapehu often stand proud above the clouds.
But don't get too comfortable on the ridge. The next phase of the walk involves a knee-crunching 700-metre descent into the Pohangina River valley. It’s steep, it’s technical, and in wet weather, it can be incredibly slippery. Once you reach the valley floor, the track follows the river toward the Leon Kinvig Hut. The final approach involves several river crossings. While the water is usually crystal clear and inviting, these crossings can become dangerous or entirely impassable after heavy rain, so always keep a close eye on the weather and river levels.
Reaching the hut feels like a massive achievement, but remember—this is an out-and-back track. To get home, you have to turn around and climb that 700-metre wall back up to the Ngamoko Range before descending Knights Track to the car park. It is a full 11-hour mission, so pack your headlamp!
Parking is available at the Department of Conservation (DOC) car park at the very end of Limestone Road. To get there, turn right onto Apiti Road just past the village of Kimbolton. This road becomes Oroua Valley Road before you reach Apiti. Beyond Apiti, turn right onto Table Flat Road, and then follow the signpost for Limestone Road (veering right near the end of Table Flat Road). Continue along Limestone Road until you reach the DOC car park. [5, 7, 10]
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
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
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
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
4.5km away
A historic country pub nestled at the foot of the Ruahine Ranges, offering a warm and rustic atmosphere. It's known for its delicious low 'n' slow BBQ meals, including smoked brisket and ribs, and is a popular spot for hikers to refuel with hearty food and a cold pint. It's family- and dog-friendly, with ample parking and motorhome hookups. [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12]
Be the first to share a photo of this trail
Recent reports from hikers
No condition reports yet.
Be the first to report the current conditions!
See what other hikers are saying
--
No reviews yet
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Out and back
The primary drawcard of this mission is the Ngamoko Range ridgeline. Standing at the top after the relentless climb of Knights Track provides a sense of isolation and grandeur that is hard to find elsewhere. It is the perfect spot for a panoramic photo, especially if you catch the light hitting the golden tussocks.
Another highlight is the Leon Kinvig Hut itself. This eight-bunk hut is a classic slice of New Zealand backcountry heritage, named after a renowned Forest Service deer culler. Interestingly, the hut was recently relocated further downstream. This move was a direct result of the immense power of nature; Cyclone Gabrielle caused significant flood damage and land instability at the original site. Visiting the new site gives you a front-row seat to how the landscape is constantly being reshaped by the elements.
For nature lovers, the Pohangina River is a standout feature. The water is pristine, and the surrounding bush is lush and vibrant. It feels like a world untouched by time, providing a stark, peaceful contrast to the exposed, wind-swept ridges above.
To reach the trailhead, you’ll need to navigate some winding country roads, but the drive through the Manawatū backcountry is half the fun.
The car park is the starting point for several tracks, so ensure you follow the markers for Knights Track.
The Ruahine Forest Park is a haven for native birdlife, and the Leon Kinvig Hut Track offers a fantastic cross-section of habitats. In the lower beech forests, you are almost guaranteed to be serenaded by the boisterous Tūī and the heavy wing-beats of the Kererū (New Zealand pigeon). Friendly Fantails (Pīwakawaka) will likely follow you along the bush line, darting around to catch the insects you stir up as you walk.
If you have a keen eye, keep a lookout for the Kākā, a large, olive-brown forest parrot known for its cheeky personality and harsh, screeching call. Higher up on the ridges, you might spot the Kārearea (New Zealand Falcon) soaring on the thermals, hunting for prey.
The real prize, however, is the Whio (Blue Duck). The Pohangina River is prime 'whio country'. These rare, slate-grey ducks are specialists of fast-flowing mountain rivers. Listen for the male’s distinctive high-pitched whistle over the roar of the water. They are masters of camouflage against the river stones, so find a quiet spot by the bank and scan the rapids near the hut.
This is an expert-level track, and your choice of season and gear is critical.
The Ruahine Range holds deep significance for local iwi and has a rich colonial history. For Māori, the ranges were traditional hunting grounds and important transit routes between the east and west coasts of the North Island.
In more recent history, the area became the stomping ground for government-employed deer cullers in the mid-20th century. Men like Leon Kinvig spent months at a time in these rugged mountains, managing deer populations to protect the native forest from overgrazing. The huts they built and the tracks they cut form the backbone of the tramping network we enjoy today.
The recent relocation of the hut serves as a reminder of the regional impact of Cyclone Gabrielle. The Ruahines took a battering, and the ongoing maintenance by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and local volunteer groups is what keeps these wild places accessible. By hiking here, you’re stepping into a landscape that is both a natural treasure and a hard-won piece of New Zealand’s backcountry culture.
After 11 hours on your feet and over 1600 metres of climbing, you will have earned a serious meal. There is no better place to refuel than the Apiti Tavern & Eatery, located just a short drive (about 4.5km) from the end of Limestone Road.
This historic country pub is a favourite for locals and hikers alike. It’s famous for its low ’n’ slow BBQ, featuring mouth-watering smoked brisket and ribs that are exactly what your body needs after a day in the ranges. The atmosphere is warm and rustic, and there’s nothing quite like sitting out the back with a cold pint, looking back toward the mountains you’ve just conquered. It’s family-friendly and dog-friendly (even if the trail isn't!), and they even have motorhome hookups if you’re planning on staying the night to rest those weary legs.
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
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
Nestor meridionalis
Large forest parrot found in native bush. Loud and social, increasingly common in predator-controlled sanctuaries.
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