Makahu Road to Te Puia Hut (Lodge)

Time: 2–3 hr

From the end of Makahu Road a track leads up the true right of the Mohaka River to Te Puia Hut.

Te Puia Hut (Lodge) to Mangatainoka Hot Springs

Time: 45 min

From Te Puia Hut the track continues up river, past the turnoff to Makino Hut, and crosses a bridge over the Makino River just above its confluence with the Mohaka River.

The track then continues alongside the Mohaka, through native bush with some rolling terrain. Steep drop-offs in some sections lend nice views of the surrounding foothills. There is a final steep descent to reach the hot springs.

At the hot springs, there are 3 pools surrounded by a decking area. These pools have valves to control water flow and to empty the tubs. The hot springs are on a small manuka terrace beside the Mohaka River.

The Mangatainoka Hot Springs Campsite is adjacent to the pools.

If you wish to travel up the river from the hot springs, it's private land and prior permission from the landowner is required.

Getting to Makahu Road

Makahu Road is 75 km north-west of Napier. From Napier follow Puketitiri Road for 40 km before turning right into Pakaututu Road. Makahu Road is 9 km on the left.

At the very end of the road, 500 metres from the Mangatutu Hot Springs and camping area, is "The Gums" parking area and shelter. The tracks to Te Puia Lodge and Mangatainoka Hot Springs begin here.

The trip involves about 1 hr of travel on unsealed gravel roads. There is a river ford on Makahu Road 7.5 km from the road end – heavy rain and snow melt can affect the water level.

Makahu Road is steep and narrow in places. It may be slippery when wet. Take extra caution driving this road.

The road is not suitable for caravans or campervans.

Check with Hasting's District Council for road closures.

Kaweka Forest Park access conditions

We recommend 4WD vehicles to reduce wear on the road and safe travel.

• Lotkow Road: The river crossings are regularly changing, check before crossing.
• Lakes carpark is accessible via Kuripapango road. The previous access Castle Rock road is now closed due to ongoing forestry operations.
• Lawrence Carpark access road: The last 600 m of the road is steep and not recommended for 2WD vehicles - a parking space is available before the descent. The Lawrence swing bridge has been removed.
• Mackintosh car park is currently closed due to ongoing forestry operations. A new parking location can be located at a skid site near the closed gate (end of Kuripapango Road), this will add on 500 m walking to reach the start of the track.
• Whittle Road: Be aware of trucks using the quarry. Give them right of way where possible. 

Wasp populations may increase in the warmer months – wear light-coloured clothing and carry appropriate medication.