Last updated November 2026
The Mackintosh carpark to Mackintosh Hut track is a short tramp from the end of Kuripapango Road to Mackintosh Hut on the Mackintosh Plateau in Kaweka Forest Park, about 48 km from Napier.
DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track, 3.4 km long, and allows 2–3 hours. It drops to the Tutaekuri River, crosses on a steel footbridge, then climbs steeply onto the plateau before an easier final stretch through manuka and beech forest.
The start has moved: when we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s track page said the Mackintosh car park “is closed due to ongoing forestry operations”, and parking at a skid site near the closed gate at the end of Kuripapango Road 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 Mackintosh Hut on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Skid site near the closed gate at the end of Kuripapango Road (about 500 m from the old Mackintosh car park start)
- Distance from the city
- About 48 km from Napier
- Walking time
- 2–3 hr to the hut
- Track length
- 3.4 km to the hut, 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.
- 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 Mackintosh carpark to Mackintosh Hut
At 3.4 km this is a compact hut trip, and it works as an out-and-back overnight trip or as a full day there and back. The 3.4 km is packed with variety: a descent to the river, a bridge crossing, a stiff climb and then easy walking on the plateau.
From the start, the track drops on a steep but well-graded line to the Tutaekuri River. A steel pedestrian bridge takes you across, so there’s no ford on this route. Then the hard part begins: a steep climb out of the river that can be slippery. DOC recommends good footwear and taking your time on this section.
Once you reach the top of the Mackintosh Plateau, the effort is over. The track runs on the flat through manuka and beech forest, with some open areas, all the way to the hut.
Despite its short length, the track carries an advanced grade and DOC describes Kaweka tracks like this one as rough, muddy and slippery, especially after rain. It suits trampers with some backcountry experience, and is a natural first overnight trip into this part of the Kawekas for people who have that experience.
Mackintosh Hut
Mackintosh Hut is a Standard category DOC hut with 8 bunk beds, mattresses, heating and non-flush toilets. There is tap water, but it is not treated, so boil it before use.
The track page doesn’t give booking or fee details, so check the Mackintosh Hut page on the DOC website before you go. If you plan to go further than the hut, check the DOC pages for the onward tracks and plan carefully.
Getting There and Parking
The track is reached from the end of Kuripapango Road. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s track page said Mackintosh car park, where the track used to start, was closed because of ongoing forestry operations.
DOC’s new parking location is a skid site near the closed gate at the end of Kuripapango Road, which adds about 500 m of walking to reach the start of the track.
DOC recommends 4WD vehicles on the park’s access roads to reduce wear on the road. DOC’s page also said Castle Rock Road, the old access to the Lakes carpark, was closed for forestry.
Weather and Track Conditions
The Kawekas are mountain country, with sudden weather changes, whiteouts, high winds on the ranges and rivers that rise quickly. Check the forecast, pack for all conditions and be ready for weather delays, with an emergency shelter, spare food and a distress beacon.
Wear sturdy boots with good grip. The park is a restricted fire area, so a permit is needed to light a fire at any time of year.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Mackintosh carpark to Mackintosh Hut: 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 huts and tracks.
Plan My Walk: plan your trip, check the forecast and share your intentions before you set out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to walk to Mackintosh Hut?
DOC allows 2–3 hours for the 3.4 km track, plus a few extra minutes for the 500 m from the temporary parking.
Is Mackintosh car park open?
Not when we checked on 18 October 2026. DOC’s track page said it was closed due to ongoing forestry operations, with parking at the skid site near the closed gate at the end of Kuripapango Road.
Do I have to ford a river?
Not on this track. The Tutaekuri River is crossed on a steel pedestrian bridge.
What facilities does Mackintosh Hut have?
It is a Standard DOC hut with 8 bunks, mattresses, heating, non-flush toilets and untreated tap water that should be boiled.
How hard is the track?
DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track. The climb from the river is steep and can be slippery; the plateau section is flat.
Are dogs allowed?
Only with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes.
Can I light a fire?
Only with a permit. Kaweka Forest Park is a restricted fire area all year round.
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.