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Ruahine Forest Park, near Hastings
6.4 km
5 hours
450 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for that quintessential Hawke’s Bay tramping experience—one that trades the city noise for the whistling winds of the tops and the scent of subalpine scrub—then the Longview Hut Track should be right at the top of your list. Located in the eastern reaches of the Ruahine Forest Park, this 6.4km out-and-back journey is a firm favourite for locals and a "must-do" for visitors wanting to see the rugged backbone of the North Island.
The walk begins at the Kashmir Road car park, and almost immediately, you’ll feel the trail’s character. This isn't a flat stroll through the park; it’s a steady, honest climb that gains about 450 metres in elevation. The initial section takes you through regenerating scrub and remnants of native forest. It’s a landscape that tells a story of resilience, showing how the bush is slowly reclaiming the hillsides following historical fires. The path here can be a bit steep and, after a typical Kiwi downpour, a little slippery underfoot, so a decent pair of boots is your best friend.
As you gain height, the vegetation begins to shrink, bowing to the elements. You’ll transition from the sheltered bush into the exposed spurs and iconic tussock tops that the Ruahine Range is famous for. This is where the walk truly opens up. The track follows a series of knolls and saddles, well-marked by reflective poles that act as a reassuring guide when the mist rolls in.
For families, this is a fantastic "gateway" tramp. It’s challenging enough to feel like a real adventure for school-age children, but short enough that you aren't spending all day on the move. Reaching the hut feels like a massive achievement for younger hikers, and the terrain is varied enough to keep them engaged. Just keep an eye on them during the steeper sections and on the exposed ridges where the wind can pick up.
The star of the show is, without a doubt, the "Longview" itself. The name isn't just marketing—on a clear day, the panorama is staggering. From the ridge, you can look back across the vast, golden expanse of the Hawke’s Bay plains all the way to the coast. Turn your gaze inland, and you are met with the formidable, jagged silhouette of the Ngamoko Range.
Parking is available at the Kashmir Road car park, located at the end of Kashmir Road. A 4WD or AWD vehicle is highly recommended for the final steep, gravel section of Kashmir Road, especially after rain. Hikers should ensure their vehicle is secured and avoid leaving valuables inside. A long drop toilet is provided at the car park for convenience.
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
49km away
A bustling roadside cafe in Waipukurau, known for its generous breakfasts, classic cafe fare, and excellent coffee, with a spacious garden and playground appealing to families.
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Out and back
Longview Hut itself is a highlight. Situated at roughly 1,200 metres, this serviced 12-bunk hut is a classic piece of New Zealand tramping history. Built in 1979 by the Napier branch of the NZ Deerstalkers Association, it’s a sturdy, welcoming shelter. Whether you’re staying the night or just stopping for a brew and a sandwich, the hut offers a sense of camaraderie. Inside, you’ll find a wood burner for those chilly subalpine nights and basic mattresses. The deck is the perfect spot for a photo op, capturing the hut perched against the dramatic backdrop of the main range.
For those with a bit more gas in the tank, the area around the hut serves as a junction. You can explore the ridge lines further, where the geological folds of the Ruahines are laid bare. The contrast between the soft tussock and the harsh, rocky outcrops makes for some incredible landscape photography, especially during the "golden hour" at sunrise or sunset.
To get to the trailhead, you’ll need to head towards the end of Kashmir Road, which is located west of Waipukurau. The drive itself is a scenic introduction to the rural heart of the region.
However, a word of caution for the final stretch: the last section of Kashmir Road is steep and gravelled. While a standard car might make it in the height of a dry summer, a 4WD or AWD vehicle is highly recommended, particularly after rain when the surface can become greasy and rutted. There is a dedicated car park at the end of the road with enough space for several vehicles.
As with any remote trailhead in New Zealand, please ensure you secure your vehicle. Don’t leave any valuables on display—take them with you or leave them at home. There is a long drop toilet at the car park, which is the last bit of "luxury" you’ll see until you reach the hut!
The Ruahine Forest Park is a haven for native birdlife, and the change in altitude means you’ll encounter different species as you climb.
In the lower, more forested sections, keep your ears open for the melodic, bell-like chime of the Tūī and the heavy "whoosh-whoosh" of the Kererū (New Zealand Pigeon) flying overhead. Both are common year-round and are often seen feasting on berries in the regenerating scrub.
As you move into the scrubbier, subalpine areas, keep a sharp eye out for the New Zealand Fernbird (Mātātā). They are shy, brown birds that skulk in the dense vegetation; you’ll often hear their distinctive "u-tick" call long before you see them. On the higher, more open spurs, you might be lucky enough to spot the New Zealand Falcon (Kārearea). Unlike the more common Harrier Hawk, the Falcon is smaller, faster, and incredibly bold. Watching one dive across the gullies is a sight you won't soon forget. You might also hear the chatter of the Red-crowned Parakeet (Kākāriki) darting between patches of forest.
The Longview Hut Track is best tackled in Spring, Summer, or Autumn.
Weather Warning: The Ruahine Range is notorious for its unpredictable weather. It is exposed to the powerful nor'west winds, which can reach gale force on the ridges, making walking difficult and significantly dropping the wind-chill factor. Even if it looks like a blue-bird day in Hastings, the tops can be shrouded in cloud or lashed by wind.
The Ruahine Range holds significant cultural and spiritual importance to local iwi, including Ngāti Kahungunu. To Māori, the ranges are the "backbone" of the land, a source of water, food, and traditional medicines. When you walk these trails, you are walking through a landscape rich in history and mana.
Geologically, the Ruahines are relatively young and are still being shaped by tectonic forces and erosion. This creates the steep, "v-shaped" valleys and shattered greywacke rock you see throughout the park. The history of the Longview Hut area is also tied to New Zealand's colonial and hunting heritage. The work of the Deerstalkers Association in building and maintaining huts like Longview has been vital in making the back-country accessible to everyone.
Conservation efforts in the park continue today, with various groups working to control pests and protect the unique subalpine flora and fauna. By staying on the marked tracks, you’re helping to protect this fragile environment for the next generation of trampers.
After five hours of climbing and descending, your legs will likely be craving a rest and your stomach a bit of fuel. Head back towards Waipukurau (about a 50-minute drive) where you’ll find some excellent spots to refuel:
Whether you're there for a day trip or an overnight stay, the Longview Hut Track offers a raw, beautiful slice of New Zealand wilderness that will leave you planning your next Ruahine adventure before you've even reached the car.
Falco novaeseelandiae
Also known as Kārearea. Fast and agile raptor found in both forest and open country.
Best time: Year-round
Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae
These vibrant emerald green parrots with a bright red forehead are increasingly seen in the Wellington area due to conservation efforts at nearby Zealandia.
Best time: Year-round
Poodytes punctatus
This shy wetland bird is often heard before it's seen, moving stealthily through the rushes and making a distinctive 'u-tick' call.
Best time: Year-round
49km away
A well-regarded gastro pub in Waipukurau, offering a range of food and drinks in a pub atmosphere.
49km away
A popular coffee house in Waipukurau, known for its coffee and dessert offerings, providing a cozy spot for post-hike refreshments.