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Kaweka Forest Park (Lakes Carpark)
12 km
5 hours 30 minutes
800 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a true taste of the New Zealand backcountry that demands as much respect as it does stamina, the Mackintosh Track in the Kaweka Forest Park is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday stroll through a manicured park; it is a rugged, 12-kilometre point-to-point journey that takes you into the heart of one of the North Island’s most formidable mountain ranges. Starting from the Lakes Carpark, you’ll immediately feel the scale of the landscape as you stand at the gateway to the "Kawekas"—a region known by locals for its wild weather, steep ridges, and deep sense of solitude.
Your adventure begins with a steady descent from the carpark. You’ll find yourself walking under the canopy of towering exotic pines, their needles softening your footfalls before the track drops you down toward the Tutaekuri River. This is where the real work begins. The river is a powerful presence in the valley, and crossing it is a mandatory part of the experience. There is no bridge here, so you’ll need to put your backcountry skills to the use. If the river is high or discoloured after rain, the golden rule of New Zealand tramping applies: if in doubt, stay out.
Once you’ve successfully navigated the river stones and reached the far bank, the track wastes no time in testing your lung capacity. You’ll begin a steep, relentless climb through dense kanuka and ancient native beech forest. The terrain is classic Kaweka—rough, often muddy, and riddled with tree roots that act as natural (but slippery) ladders. As you gain elevation, the forest begins to open up. You’ll navigate a series of sharp ridges where the trees thin out just enough to offer tantalising glimpses of the surrounding peaks.
The mid-section of the walk follows a tributary stream, providing a momentary reprieve from the steep climbing as you wind your way through the ngahere (forest). Eventually, you’ll reach a key track junction. Hanging a right here leads you across a wide, windswept plateau toward the iconic Mackintosh Hut. Arriving at the hut feels like stepping back in time; it sits on the edge of a beech forest pocket, looking out over the tussock-covered plateau. After the grunt of the climb, the flat walk across the plateau feels like a victory lap.
The final leg of the journey takes you from the hut toward the Mackintosh Carpark (or rather, the new parking area nearby). This section is a fascinating mix of regenerating native bush and older forest. You’ll experience more steep pinches and flat plateaus, showcasing the incredible diversity of the Kaweka Ranges before you finally emerge, tired but exhilarated, at the end of the trail.
Parking is available at the Lakes Carpark, accessible via Kuripapango Road, which branches off the Napier-Taihape Road. The road to the carpark is gravel, so a suitable vehicle is recommended. Please note that the Mackintosh Carpark, the endpoint of this one-way track, is currently closed due to forestry operations. A new parking location at a skid site near the closed gate (end of Kuripapango Road) is available, adding an extra 500m walk to reach the start of that track.
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
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
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Point to point
The Mackintosh Track is a highlight reel of Hawke’s Bay’s rugged interior. The absolute standout feature for many is the Mackintosh Hut. Built in 1959, this standard 8-bunk hut is a classic piece of New Zealand tramping history. Whether you’re just stopping for a quick brew and a snack or staying the night to watch the stars, the hut offers a sense of shelter and community that is central to the Kiwi backcountry experience.
Another highlight is the Tutaekuri River. In the height of summer, the cool water is a refreshing milestone, though it requires a high level of respect. The geological drama of the Kaweka Ranges is on full display here; the way the river has carved through the greywacke rock over millennia is a sight to behold.
For photographers and view-seekers, the plateau sections are where the magic happens. On a clear day, the views are nothing short of spectacular. To the east, you can see across the rolling hills of Hawke’s Bay toward the coast, while to the west, the snow-capped peaks of the Central Plateau (including the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park) often pierce the horizon. The contrast between the dark green beech forests and the golden-brown tussocks of the high country makes for incredible photos.
Reaching the Lakes Carpark requires a bit of a drive, but the scenery along the way makes it worthwhile. From Napier, you’ll head inland on the Napier-Taihape Road (known locally as the 'Gentle Annie'). Keep an eye out for Kuripapango Road, which branches off the main highway.
Be aware that the road to the carpark is gravel. While a standard car can often make it in good conditions, a vehicle with a bit of clearance (like an SUV or 4WD) is highly recommended, especially after heavy rain when the road can become rutted.
Important Parking Note: This is a point-to-point track. Usually, hikers would end at the Mackintosh Carpark. however, due to ongoing forestry operations, the main Mackintosh Carpark is currently closed. A temporary parking location has been established at a skid site near the closed gate at the end of Kuripapango Road. This adds approximately 500 metres of walking to reach the official start/end of the track. If you are doing this as a one-way walk, you will need to arrange a vehicle shuttle or have someone pick you up at this end.
The Kaweka Forest Park is a haven for native birdlife, and the Mackintosh Track offers plenty of opportunities for birdwatching if you keep your ears open.
The Kawekas are beautiful year-round, but each season brings its own set of challenges:
The Kaweka Forest Park holds deep significance for the people of Hawke’s Bay. For local Māori, the Tutaekuri River is an ancestral waterway with a rich history. The name itself has various interpretations, often linked to ancient stories of travel and the resources the river provided.
In more recent history, the Kawekas were a focal point for the New Zealand Forest Service. During the mid-20th century, massive efforts were made to control erosion caused by introduced deer and goats. This led to the construction of many of the huts and tracks we use today, including the Mackintosh. You’ll notice sections of exotic pines—these were often planted in an attempt to stabilise the soil on the steep, shattered greywacke slopes.
Today, the area is a testament to conservation. Ongoing trapping and pest control efforts are helping native species like the Kiwi and Kākā make a comeback. When you walk this track, you are walking through a landscape that has been shaped by both natural forces and a century of dedicated conservation work.
After 5.5 hours of tramping and 800 metres of climbing, you’ll likely be dreaming of a cold drink and a hearty meal. Since the track is located deep in the ranges, you’ll have a bit of a drive back toward civilisation, but there are some legendary spots to refuel:
The Mackintosh Track is a challenge that will leave your legs tired but your spirit refreshed. It's a slice of the real New Zealand—rugged, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable.
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
Falco novaeseelandiae
New Zealand's only endemic falcon, the karearea is a powerful and agile hunter often seen in open tussock and forest edges.
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
Acanthisitta chloris
The tītipounamu is New Zealand's smallest native bird, a tiny, insectivorous species that can often be seen creeping up tree trunks and branches.
Best time: Year-round