From the Lawrence Road end there are a variety of options, for day or overnight trips. Some are round trips and some link with other road ends or access points to the park.
Note following Cyclone Gabrielle the access road may be subjected to ongoing slips and the road end has changed resulting in less parking space.
Lawrence Road to Lotkow Road
Time: 2 - 3 hr
A river crossing is required for the Lawrence Road to Lotkow Road end, as the swingbridge has been removed.
Check weather forecasts and if in doubt do not attempt to cross the river. Be prepared to return or wait until the river level is suitable for crossing.
For day visitors there are two interesting options from here. Cross the river and follow the track, which sidles steeply at first, then gently uphill through kanuka forest.
After about 45 minutes the Mackintosh Track turns off to the left and 5 minutes along this track is an open, rocky knoll, an excellent vantage point with views across the Mackintosh Plateau and up the Donald River to the peaks of the main Kaweka Range.
For an alternative route back from Lotkow Road to the Lawrence Shelter, follow the Mackintosh Track, which drops steeply off the ridge for 10 minutes and then descends steadily to the Donald River for 20 minutes.
Follow the Donald River downstream for an hour, to where it joins the Tutaekuri River, about 5 minutes upriver from the Lawrence swingbridge. The walk along the Donald River is unmarked, but access along manuka terraces is not difficult.
Lawrence Road loop via Lotkow Track, Lookout and Donald River
Time: 2 - 3 hr
Blowhard Bush
Blowhard Bush Reserve is located on the corner of Lawrence Road and the Napier-Taihape Road. It's owned by Forest & Bird and contains four walking tracks. See information on Forest & Bird website.
