Kelly Knight Hut Track
Located in Ruahine Forest Park in the Manawatu/Whanganui region
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Introduction
The track to Kelly Knight Hut crosses farmland to the Ruahine Forest Park boundary, then sidles above the Pourangaki River to reach the hut via a swingbridge. Stay a night and return the same way.Seasonal restrictions
Access is closed to the public during calving (late May - late August) and may be at other times of the year. You must contact the Farm Manager before you go.
Dog access
From the parking spot follow the markers across farmland for about 30 min to the Ruahine Forest Park boundary. From here the track sidles above the Pourangaki River dropping in and out of sidecreeks.
There are several slips along the Kelly Knight Track to Kelly Knight Hut. For your safety, use the marked detours that are in place.
At times the track is narrow with steep drops to the river. Nearer to the hut a track off to the left heads up to the Hikurangi Range with options of heading to Purity or Waterfall Huts. A short distance further on a swingbridge (difficult for small children) crosses the Pourangaki River and Kelly Knight Hut is reached.
Heading just north from Mangaweka turn right off SH1, cross the Rangitikei River and follow Kawhatau Valley Road. This eventually leads to Upper Kawhatau Valley Road and not far past this turn right onto Mangakukeke Road. Follow this and just before the Purity Track carpark at the end turn right into Kohunui Station. Follow the farm road until you reach the parking sign and track start.
Access
Prior permission for access to cross Kohunui Station is required.
Access can be arranged by phoning +64 6 382 5577 at breakfast or in the evening. You must speak to the farm manager - messages will not be responded too. The continued use of access across Kohunui Station is dependent on every party gaining permission from the farm manager every time.
Access is closed to the public during calving, and may be closed at other times during the year for farm management purposes.
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Choose the right trip for you. Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
- Understand the weather. Check weather forecasts.
- Pack warm clothes and extra food. Check gear lists.
- Share your plans and take ways to get help. Share directly or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk. Take a distress beacon.
- Take care of yourself and each other.
Contacts
| DOC Customer Service Centre | |
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| Phone | 0800 275 362 |
| manawatu@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | DOC offices |