Last updated November 2026
The Mackintosh carpark to Lawrence Road end via Mackintosh Hut and Donald River route is a one-way tramp across the Mackintosh Plateau in Kaweka Forest Park, about 45 km from Napier.
DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track and allows 5–6 hours, so it works as a long day or as an overnight trip with a night at Mackintosh Hut.
Along the way you cross the Tutaekuri River on a steel footbridge, walk through manuka and beech forest, and ford the unbridged Donald River before finishing at the Lawrence campsite and shelter.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alerts for the track, but DOC’s access conditions said Mackintosh car park “is currently closed due to ongoing forestry operations”, and parking at a skid site near the closed gate adds about 500 m of walking. Check DOC before you go, use Plan My Walk and tell someone your plans.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Mackintosh carpark to Lawrence Road end via Mackintosh Hut and Donald River on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Skid site near the closed gate at the end of Kuripapango Road (Mackintosh car park was closed when checked on 18 October 2026)
- Finish
- Lawrence Road end, with campsite and shelter
- Distance from the city
- About 45 km from Napier
- Walking time
- 5–6 hr one way
- Track length
- About 14.6 km (calculated from the DOC track line), plus about 500 m from the temporary parking
- Grade
- Advanced (DOC: advanced tramping track)
- Dogs
- Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only
- Huts
- Mackintosh Hut (DOC hut, Standard category, 8 bunks)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Mackintosh carpark to Lawrence Road end via Mackintosh Hut and Donald River
This is a point-to-point trip with two quite different halves. The first leg takes you up onto the Mackintosh Plateau and across to the hut. The second leaves the plateau, drops into the Donald River valley and follows the river down to the Lawrence Road end.
From the Mackintosh end the track drops on a steep but well-graded line to the Tutaekuri River, which you cross on a steel pedestrian bridge. Then comes a steep climb that can be slippery, so DOC recommends good footwear and taking your time.
Once you top out on the Mackintosh Plateau, the going flattens through manuka and beech forest with some open areas on the way to the hut.
Part of this first leg is new. Cyclone Gabrielle destroyed a large section of the old track, and the replacement is steep in places. DOC notes that some experienced trampers walk up the creek to bypass the slip and rejoin the old track.
Beyond Mackintosh Hut the track follows the edge of the plateau before dropping steeply into the Donald River valley. Here you ford the Donald with no bridge, then follow the true left bank downstream. A bridge takes you back across the river at the end, arriving at the Lawrence campsite, shelter and road end.
Because the trip ends at a different road end, sort out transport at both ends before you start. DOC describes the route as suited to an overnight trip or a longer day.
Mackintosh Hut
Mackintosh Hut is a Standard category DOC hut with 8 bunk beds, mattresses, heating and non-flush toilets. Water comes from a tap but is not treated, so boil it before use. Staying the night splits the trip in two, with the plateau on the first day and the Donald River on the second.
River Crossings and Track Conditions
The Donald River crossing has no bridge, so assess it carefully. DOC’s rule is simple: don’t cross if the river is flooded, if you can’t find good entry and exit points, or if you’re unsure.
Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out. DOC also points to NIWA river flow forecasts as a planning aid.
This is a rough, muddy backcountry track that gets slippery after rain, and it is best suited to experienced trampers with backcountry skills and sturdy boots with good grip. The Kawekas are mountain country, with sudden weather changes, whiteouts, high winds on the ranges and rivers that can rise fast.
Pack for all conditions, carry an emergency shelter, spare food and a distress beacon, and be ready for weather delays. The park is a restricted fire area, so you need a permit to light a fire at any time of year.
Getting There and Access
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s access conditions said Mackintosh car park was closed because of forestry operations, with a new parking spot at a skid site near the closed gate at the end of Kuripapango Road, which adds about 500 m of walking to reach the track. Castle Rock Road, the old route to the Lakes carpark, was also listed as closed.
At the other end, DOC says the last 600 m of the Lawrence car park access road is steep and not recommended for 2WD vehicles, with a parking space before the descent. The Lawrence swing bridge has been removed, so check DOC for the current situation at the Lawrence end. DOC recommends 4WD vehicles on the park’s access roads.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Mackintosh carpark to Lawrence Road end via Mackintosh Hut and Donald River: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Kaweka Forest Park: park-wide access conditions, car park closures and other tracks.
Plan My Walk: plan your trip, check the forecast and share your intentions before you set out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the tramp take?
DOC allows 5–6 hours one way from Mackintosh carpark to the Lawrence Road end. Add time for the extra 500 m from the temporary parking.
Is Mackintosh car park open?
Not when we checked on 18 October 2026. DOC’s access conditions said it was closed due to ongoing forestry operations. Park at the skid site near the closed gate at the end of Kuripapango Road.
Is there a hut on the route?
Yes. Mackintosh Hut is a Standard DOC hut with 8 bunks, heating, mattresses and non-flush toilets. Boil the tap water before drinking.
Do I have to cross any rivers?
Yes. The Tutaekuri River has a steel footbridge, but the Donald River crossing has no bridge. If in doubt, stay out.
Is it a loop?
No. It finishes at the Lawrence Road end, so arrange transport at both ends.
Are dogs allowed?
Only with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes.
Who is this tramp suited to?
Experienced trampers with backcountry skills. The track is rough, muddy and slippery after rain, with steep sections.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.