Last updated November 2026
Lotkow Road to Little’s Clearing is a tramp onto the Black Birch Range in Kaweka Forest Park, starting 5 km along Lotkow Road, about 46 km from Napier.
DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track and times it at 3–4 hours one way. It begins with a steep climb to the range, then follows the range past Black Birch Bivouac, a small DOC hut, before reaching Little’s Clearing.
Getting to the start has its own challenge, as Lotkow Road has two fords that DOC says “can become too high to negotiate after heavy rain”. 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 Lotkow Road to Little's Clearing on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- 5 km along Lotkow Road, the first road on the left at the Whittle Road park entrance
- Distance from the city
- About 46 km from Napier
- Walking time
- 3–4 hr one way
- Track length
- About 7 km one way (calculated from the DOC track line)
- Grade
- Advanced (DOC: advanced tramping track)
- Dogs
- Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only
- Huts
- Black Birch Bivouac (DOC hut, Basic/bivvies category, 2 bunks)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Lotkow Road to Little’s Clearing
This is a range tramp reached from the Whittle Road entrance to the park. There’s no gentle warm-up: from the start on Lotkow Road the track heads straight into a steep climb to the Black Birch Range.
Once you’re up, the track continues along the range. Partway along it passes Black Birch Bivouac before carrying on to Little’s Clearing, the destination that gives the track its name.
DOC gives the time one way, so allow for the return or plan how you will link up with other tracks. It suits experienced trampers with backcountry skills who are comfortable on rough, muddy and slippery ground, especially after rain.
Lotkow Road itself is worth knowing about. It is a 7 km road used mainly by hunters, and DOC describes the road end as a pleasant spot for picnicking or camping.
Black Birch Bivouac
Black Birch Bivouac is a Basic category DOC hut, or bivvy, with 2 bunk beds and mattresses. With only two bunks, carry your own emergency shelter in case it’s full, which DOC recommends on Kaweka trips in any case.
Getting There
DOC puts the start 65 km north-west of Napier. From Napier, follow Puketitiri Road for 36 km, then turn left into Whittle Road.
Whittle Road runs partly through farmland to the park entrance, so leave all gates as you find them. It can be closed at times in winter because of snow, and DOC asks drivers to watch for trucks using the quarry and give them right of way where possible.
Lotkow Road is the first road on the left at the park entrance. Its two fords can become too high to drive after heavy rain, and DOC notes that the river crossings on Lotkow Road change regularly, so check them before crossing.
DOC recommends 4WD vehicles on the park’s access roads. Elsewhere in the park, when we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s access conditions said Mackintosh car park was closed for forestry operations and Castle Rock Road was closed, but neither affects this start.
Mountain Weather and Track Conditions
The Kawekas are mountain country. Expect sudden weather changes, whiteouts and high winds on the ranges, and rivers and streams that can rise quickly. Pack for all conditions and be ready for weather delays, with spare food, an emergency shelter and a distress beacon. DOC links to a Kaweka J summit weather forecast, a useful check before you go.
Extreme fire conditions can occur in summer. The park is a restricted fire area, so you need a permit to light a fire at any time of year. Plan My Walk can help you set out your trip and share your intentions with someone you trust.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Lotkow Road to Little’s Clearing: 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, road notes 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 Lotkow Road to Little’s Clearing take?
DOC times it at 3–4 hours one way.
Where does the track start?
5 km along Lotkow Road, which is the first road on the left at the Whittle Road entrance to Kaweka Forest Park.
Can I drive Lotkow Road?
DOC recommends 4WD vehicles. The road has two fords that can become too high to negotiate after heavy rain, and the crossings change regularly.
Is there a hut?
Yes. Black Birch Bivouac, a Basic DOC hut with 2 bunks and mattresses, is on the track before Little’s Clearing.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track. It starts with a steep climb and the track is rough, muddy and slippery after rain.
Are dogs allowed?
Only with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes.
Is Whittle Road open in winter?
It can be closed at times in winter because of snow. Check DOC before you go.
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.