From the Makahu Saddle carpark, a track leads to Ngahere Base (the former hydrological survey base) then follows an old road down to the stream. Across the bridge, the Matauria Ridge Track turns to the right and the Ngahere Loop Track climbs straight ahead.

The track continues for 30 minutes of easy walking through beech forest, over Ngahere Hill (1114 metres) and out to Kaweka Road just over 1.8 km from the carpark.

To complete a loop, walk back along Kaweka Road to Makahu Saddle carpark. Alternatively, you can return via the same track.

Kaweka Road is located 65 km north-west of Napier. From Napier follow Puketitiri Road for 36 km before turning left into Whittle Road. Kaweka Road is the first road on the right.

Whittle Road passes partly through farmland, to the park entrance (please leave all gates as found).

This road may be closed at times due to snow and ice.

Be ready for mountain weather

This is a mountainous area. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes.

Check the weather before you go. Kaweka J Summit weather forecast

Packing lists

Fires

Extreme fire conditions can exist during summer. The park is a restricted fire area, which means permits to light fires are required all year round.

Maps

The Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) topographical maps that cover the Kaweka Forest Park are:

Topo50 map BH36 - Motutere
Topo50 map BH37 - Rangitaiki
Topo50 map BH38 - Te Haroto
Topo50 map BJ36 - Tawake Tohunga
Topo50 map BJ37 - Kuripapango
Topo50 map BJ38 - Te Pohue
Topo50 map BK37 - Tikokino