Purity Hut Track
Located in Ruahine Forest Park in the Manawatu/Whanganui region
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Introduction
A steep climb to this hut nestled above the bushline on the Hikurangi Range in the Ruahine Forest Park.Seasonal restrictions
Access is closed from 1 June to 31 October and may be closed at other times of the year for farm management purposes.
At all times, you must get approval prior to accessing from the farm manager.
Dog access
Follow the poled route across farmland from the carpark. After an initial flat section of 30-40 minutes, the track climbs steeply for another 30-40 minutes to reach the Ruahine Forest Park boundary. From here the track climbs up through the red beech and kaikawaka forest at reasonably steep grade until reaching Purity Hut amongst the tussock.
To tramp to Mangaweka Trig from Purity Hut allow another 2 hr. Other options exist to hike over the Hikurangi Range and down to Waterfall Hut in the Upper Kawhatau River, along the Hikurangi Range to McKinnon Hut and via Wooden Peg on the Hikurangi Range down to Kelly Knight Hut in the Pourangaki River. These trips are all classified as routes due to travel on the often unmarked open tops and should not be attempted in poor visibility.
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 to the carpark at the end.
Access is closed from 1 June to 31 October and may be closed at other times of the year for farm management purposes.
You need permission to get access to the hut
You can arrange access by phoning the farm owner and requesting access over the farm at least 48 hours before your visit. The continued use of access across this farm is dependent on every party gaining permission from the farm owner every time.
Contact DOC Manawatu Office for contact details of the farm owner.
Be aware of hazards such as livestock and electric fences.
Visitors must not hunt or bring loaded firearms on to private property, use spotlights or light fires.
Abuse of access will result in trespass prosecution, and permanent closure of public access.
Purity Hut sits above bush line on the Hikurangi Range. Red beech forest mixes with broadleaf species and some remaining kaikawaka (mountain cedar) in this area. The tussock slopes above Purity lead to the Ruahine Forest Park’s highest point – Mangaweka (1733 m), often covered with winter snow. The hut has spectacular views right to the central North Island mountains.
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 |