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Kaweka Forest Park (Lotkow Road end)
7 km
7 hours
500 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you’re looking for a walk that truly earns the title of an "adventure," the journey from Lotkow Road to Little's Clearing Track in the Kaweka Forest Park is calling your name. This isn’t your average weekend stroll through a manicured city park; this is a raw, rugged, and deeply rewarding backcountry experience nestled in the wild heart of Hawke’s Bay.
At just under 7 kilometres return, you might be tempted to think this is a quick morning jaunt. However, the estimated 7-hour duration tells a different story. This is a technical, steep, and demanding advanced tramping track that requires a good level of fitness and a bit of "mountain goat" spirit. For those who enjoy the smell of damp beech forest, the challenge of a vertical climb, and the solitude of the New Zealand bush, it’s a must-do.
The journey begins with a bit of an "off-road" mindset before you even lace up your boots. Accessing the trailhead involves navigating Lotkow Road, a route primarily used by the hunting community. Once you hit the trail, the "friendly" part of the day ends quickly as you face a steep, unrelenting ascent toward the Black Birch Range.
The terrain here is classic Kaweka backcountry. You won’t find gravel paths or boardwalks; instead, you’ll be navigating a narrow track that is often rough, tangled with tree roots, and frequently muddy. If there has been recent rain, expect the track to be a bit of a slide—good grip on your boots isn’t just recommended; it’s a safety requirement.
As you haul yourself up the range, the forest begins to shift. You’ll find yourself moving through pockets of native red and mountain beech (tawhairauriki and tawhairaurerere), their small, dark leaves creating a dense canopy that filters the sunlight into a beautiful, dappled green. There are also sections of pine plantation that serve as a reminder of the area's mixed land-use history.
Once you gain the ridge of the Black Birch Range, the track levels out slightly, but don't let your guard down. The ridge is exposed, and the track remains technical. The payoff, however, is the sense of scale. You are deep in the Kawekas now, and the views across the rugged, folded landscapes of the Hawke’s Bay hinterland are spectacular.
The track eventually reaches the Black Birch Bivouac, a tiny, bright orange beacon of safety. This basic two-bunk hut is a classic piece of Kiwi tramping heritage. From there, it’s a push through to Little's Clearing. Unlike what the name might suggest to a city dweller, this isn't a grassy picnic lawn. It’s a fascinating tussock bog, a unique highland wetland fringed by hardy native shrubs like kohuhu, putaputaweta, and broadleaf. It feels like a prehistoric corner of the world, hidden away from the modern era.
The track starts 5 kilometres along Lotkow Road. Lotkow Road branches off Whittle Road at the entry point to the Kaweka Forest Park. The road end is a pleasant spot for picnicking or camping. 4WD vehicles are recommended due to changing river crossings and road conditions.
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
Petroica longipes
Friendly forest bird that often approaches walkers. Found in native bush reserves across the North Island.
Best time: Year-round
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Out and back
The standout feature of this hike is undoubtedly the Black Birch Bivouac. Situated at an altitude of 1060 metres, it’s one of those iconic, tiny shelters that defines New Zealand's tramping culture. It’s a fantastic spot for a photo and a well-earned lunch break.
Another highlight is the botanical diversity. As you move from the steep lower slopes to the high-altitude bog of Little's Clearing, the change in vegetation is striking. Look out for the fuchsia (kōtukutuku), which is New Zealand’s only truly deciduous tree, and the five-finger (whauwhaupaku) with its distinctive leaf clusters.
For the photographers, the Black Birch Range ridge offers panoramic views of the Kaweka landscape. On a clear day, the layers of blue and green ridges stretching toward the horizon are breath-taking. The contrast between the dark beech forest and the golden-brown tussocks of the clearing provides a beautiful colour palette for landscape shots.
Getting to the start of this trail is an adventure in itself. From Napier, you’ll head toward the Kaweka Forest Park entrance via Puketitiri Road and then Whittle Road. The track starts approximately 5 kilometres along Lotkow Road, which branches off Whittle Road right at the park entry.
A major note on access: A 4WD vehicle is highly recommended. Lotkow Road is unsealed and can be rough. Most importantly, there are river crossings that can change significantly after heavy rain. If you’re in a standard 2WD car, you may find yourself unable to reach the trailhead. Always check the weather forecast and the state of the road before heading out. The road end itself is a lovely, quiet spot that is often used for basic camping or picnicking by those heading further into the park.
The Kaweka Forest Park is a haven for native birdlife, and the Lotkow Road area is no exception. Because this track is less crowded than others, the birds are often quite bold.
Winter Warning: Winter in the Kawekas is a different beast entirely. The ranges frequently see snow and ice, and the exposed ridges can be hit by freezing winds and whiteouts. Unless you are an experienced alpine tramper with the right gear (crampons and ice axe), it’s best to avoid this track in the depths of winter.
The Kaweka Forest Park holds a special place in the heart of Hawke’s Bay. Geologically, the range is primarily made of greywacke—a hard, grey sandstone that has been folded and uplifted over millions of years. This rugged geology is what gives the Kawekas their steep, "crumbling" appearance in places.
The area is also culturally significant. For many local Māori, the Kaweka Range is a place of ancestral connection, traditionally used for mahinga kai (food gathering) and as a transit route between the Hawke's Bay coast and the central North Island.
In more recent history, the park became a hub for New Zealand’s hunting culture. The tracks and huts, including the Black Birch Bivouac, were often established or maintained to manage deer and pig populations. Today, the park is a vital conservation area where efforts continue to protect the native beech forests from invasive species, ensuring the ngahere (forest) remains healthy for generations to come.
After seven hours of steep climbs and muddy ridges, you’re going to be hungry. As you drive back toward Napier, there are a couple of classic spots to refuel:
This walk is a challenge, no doubt about it. But as you stand in the quiet of Little's Clearing, surrounded by the ancient Kaweka bush, you’ll realise that the sweat and the steep climbs were worth every bit of the effort.
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Spring-Summer
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
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