Kaweka Flats Track

This benched track leaves from behind Makahu Saddle Hut. The vegetation on the main track gradually changes to thick regenerating manuka.

About 40 minutes from the saddle the track descends to a large creek and heads up to a large manuka covered plateau. Kaweka Flats, a large grassy clearing at the base of Dicks Spur, is 10 minutes from here. A small bivouac is located on the clearing.

Further afield

To the north, the track continues from Kaweka Flats to Middle Hill Hut, climbs over to Ballard Hut and returns along the main range. A trip from Makahu Saddle to Makahu Road in the north east of the park, via Kaweka Flats and Middle Hill Hut, is a good day or overnight possibility. There are also good tramping options from Ballard and Middle Hill to the remote north western area of the park.

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 before reaching the park entrance. Leave all gates as found.

This road may be closed at times during winter because of snow.

Weather forecast

Kaweka J Summit weather forecast - NIWA website