Last updated November 2026
The Lakes carpark to Mackintosh carpark via Mackintosh Hut route is a one-way tramp between two road ends near Kuripapango in Kaweka Forest Park, about 49 km from Napier. DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track and allows 5–6 hours, so it suits a long day or an overnight trip with a stop at Mackintosh Hut.
Early on you have to ford the Tutaekuri River, which has no bridge on this route, so river levels decide whether the trip goes ahead.
The finish has also changed: when we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s track page said Mackintosh car park “is currently closed due to ongoing forestry operations”, with parking instead at a skid site near the closed gate that adds about 500 m. 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 Lakes carpark to Mackintosh carpark via Mackintosh Hut on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Lakes carpark, via Kuripapango Road off the Napier-Taihape Road
- Finish
- Skid site near the closed gate at the end of Kuripapango Road (Mackintosh car park was closed when checked on 18 October 2026)
- Distance from the city
- About 49 km from Napier
- Walking time
- 5–6 hr one way
- Track length
- About 11.1 km (calculated from the DOC track line), plus about 500 m to 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 Lakes carpark to Mackintosh carpark via Mackintosh Hut
This route links two car parks that DOC says are only 2.5 km apart by road. That short road gap keeps the logistics simple, but the walking in between, over ridges and past the hut, takes a full day.
From the Lakes carpark, the track heads downhill to the right through pine trees to the Tutaekuri River. There is no bridge where this route meets the Tutaekuri, so you have to ford the river.
On the far bank the track climbs through kanuka and then beech forest over several ridges, before following a tributary stream up to a track junction. Here the left branch, the Mackintosh Spur Track, heads up towards the Kaweka Range. Take the right branch to reach Mackintosh Hut.
From the hut, the track continues across to the Mackintosh carpark. Remember that when we checked on 18 October 2026, the car park was closed and DOC directed parking to the skid site near the gate.
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 overnight breaks the trip into two shorter days.
Crossing the Tutaekuri River
The unbridged Tutaekuri crossing near the start is the key decision point. Assess it carefully before you commit, and 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 points to NIWA river flow forecasts for planning ahead.
Because the crossing comes early, you can turn around and still be close to the Lakes carpark if the river is too high.
Getting There and Track Conditions
DOC places Kuripapango 76 km from Napier on the Napier-Taihape Road. To reach the Lakes carpark, turn onto Kuripapango Road and follow the signs; when we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC said the old access via Castle Rock Road was closed because of ongoing forestry operations. DOC recommends 4WD vehicles on the park’s access roads.
This is a rough, muddy backcountry track that gets slippery after rain, best suited to experienced trampers with backcountry skills and sturdy boots. Expect sudden weather changes, whiteouts, high winds on the ranges and rivers that 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, with a permit needed to light fires all year.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Lakes carpark to Mackintosh carpark via 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 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 the Lakes carpark to the Mackintosh carpark via Mackintosh Hut.
Do I need a car at each end?
DOC says the two car parks are 2.5 km apart by road, so the gap between them is short. Note that when we checked on 18 October 2026, Mackintosh car park itself was closed and parking was at a skid site near the gate.
Is there a bridge over the Tutaekuri River?
Not on the crossing near the Lakes carpark. You have to ford it, so check river levels and turn back if in doubt.
What is Mackintosh Hut like?
It is a Standard DOC hut with 8 bunks, mattresses, heating, non-flush toilets and untreated tap water that needs boiling.
How do I get to the Lakes carpark?
Turn off the Napier-Taihape Road onto Kuripapango Road and follow the signs. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC said Castle Rock Road was closed.
Are dogs allowed?
Only with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes.
Who is this route suited to?
Experienced trampers with backcountry skills, river crossing know-how and gear for changeable mountain weather.
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.