Last updated November 2026
The Trials Spur Track climbs from Makahu Saddle Hut above the bush line onto Makahu Spur in Kaweka Forest Park, about 49 km from Napier, and is one of the ways towards Kaweka J. DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track and allows 2–3 hours.
On the way it fords Pinnacle Stream, zigzags past old trial plantings of pine species and crosses a narrow shingle ridge into alpine country. Dominie Bivouac sits about 20 minutes further up from where the track meets the spur.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alerts for the track, but 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 Trials Spur Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Makahu Saddle Hut, reached via Kaweka Road
- Distance from the city
- About 49 km from Napier
- Walking time
- 2–3 hr
- Grade
- Advanced (DOC: advanced tramping track)
- Dogs
- Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only
- Track type
- Tramping track, climbing above the bush line
- Huts
- Makahu Saddle Hut at the start and Dominie Bivouac about 20 min above the top of the track
- 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 Trials Spur Track
The track has a piece of forestry history. Soon after leaving Makahu Saddle Hut it fords Pinnacle Stream and zigzags uphill through an area where trial plantings of different pine species were carried out in the 1960s.
Higher up, the track crosses a narrow, shingle-covered ridge that leads around the head of Pinnacle Stream and up onto Makahu Spur. By this point you are above the bush line, and DOC describes good views of the surrounding country. The only plants up here are hardy alpine species: tussock, some hebes and mountain daisies.
Where the track meets Makahu Spur you have choices. Dominie Bivouac is about 20 minutes further uphill, just off the spur on the right. Beyond it, a steep poled track continues up to Kaweka J. Or you can turn for home and come back down via Makahu Spur, making a round trip from the road end.
This is a climb into exposed alpine terrain, so it suits fit, experienced trampers who are comfortable on steep ground and in changeable weather. The return via Makahu Spur turns it into a round trip for people who don’t want to go all the way to the summit.
Above the Bush Line
Above the bush line you are in exposed alpine terrain. DOC links to a Kaweka J summit weather forecast from NIWA: check it before you go and turn back if the weather turns.
Carry warm and waterproof layers, food and a means of calling for help, and if you are heading for Kaweka J, plan for a longer and more serious day.
Getting There
DOC puts Kaweka Road 65 km north-west of Napier. From Napier, follow Puketitiri Road for 36 km, then turn left into Whittle Road; Kaweka Road is the first road on the right.
Whittle Road passes partly through farmland before reaching the park entrance, so leave all gates as you find them. The road may be closed at times in winter because of snow, and DOC asks drivers to watch for quarry trucks on Whittle Road and give them right of way where possible.
DOC recommends 4WD vehicles on the park’s access roads. Elsewhere in the park, when we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s page said Mackintosh car park was closed for forestry operations and Castle Rock Road was closed, but neither affects the Kaweka Road start.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Trials Spur Track: 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, huts and the other tracks from Makahu Saddle.
Plan My Walk: plan your trip, check the forecast and share your intentions before you set out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Trials Spur Track take?
DOC allows 2–3 hours.
Where does it start?
At Makahu Saddle Hut in Kaweka Forest Park, reached via Whittle Road and Kaweka Road.
What will I see on the way?
Pinnacle Stream, an area of 1960s trial pine plantings, a narrow shingle ridge and, above the bush line, tussock, hebes and mountain daisies, with good views of the surrounding country.
Does it go to Kaweka J?
It is en route. From Makahu Spur you can continue past Dominie Bivouac and up a steep poled track to Kaweka J.
Are there huts on the way?
Makahu Saddle Hut is at the start, and Dominie Bivouac is about 20 minutes uphill from where the track reaches Makahu Spur.
Can I make it a loop?
Yes. DOC suggests returning via Makahu Spur.
Are dogs allowed?
Only with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes.
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.