Last updated November 2026
The Ngahere Loop Track is a short loop through beech forest over Ngahere Hill, 1114 metres high, starting from the Makahu Saddle carpark in Kaweka Forest Park, about 48 km from Napier.
DOC allows about an hour and grades it as an advanced tramping track. The walk passes Ngahere Base, the former hydrological survey base, crosses a stream on a bridge, then climbs over the hill and comes out on Kaweka Road.
You close the loop by walking back along Kaweka Road to the car park, or you can return the way you came. 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 Ngahere Loop Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Makahu Saddle carpark, Kaweka Road
- Distance from the city
- About 48 km from Napier
- Walking time
- 1 hr loop
- Track length
- Just over 1.8 km from the car park to Kaweka Road, then back along the road
- Grade
- Advanced (DOC: advanced tramping track)
- Dogs
- Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only
- Track type
- Tramping track, with a road section to complete the loop
- 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 Ngahere Loop Track
This is one of the short outings from Makahu Saddle, and a good way to get a feel for the Kaweka beech forest without committing to a big day. From the car park, a track leads to Ngahere Base, which was once a hydrological survey base, then follows an old road down to a stream.
Across the bridge the tracks divide. The Matauria Ridge Track turns right, while the Ngahere Loop Track carries straight on and climbs. From here DOC describes about 30 minutes of easy walking through beech forest, up and over Ngahere Hill at 1114 metres.
The track comes out on Kaweka Road just over 1.8 km from the car park. To finish the loop, walk back along Kaweka Road to Makahu Saddle carpark. If you’d rather stay in the forest, return the same way.
Although it is short, DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track, so expect a backcountry standard of track. It suits walkers who are comfortable on a bush track in mountain country and want a short leg stretch at the road end.
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 to the park entrance, so leave all gates as you find them. The road may be closed at times because of snow and ice.
Weather and Fire Rules
Makahu Saddle is in mountainous country, and DOC warns that the weather can change suddenly. Check the forecast before you go and pack warm and waterproof layers even for an hour’s walk.
Extreme fire conditions can occur in summer, and the park is a restricted fire area where a permit is needed to light a fire at any time of year.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Ngahere Loop 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 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 Ngahere Loop Track take?
DOC allows about 1 hour.
Where does it start?
At the Makahu Saddle carpark on Kaweka Road.
Is it a full loop on track?
No. The track comes out on Kaweka Road just over 1.8 km from the car park, and you walk back along the road. You can also return the same way on the track.
How high is Ngahere Hill?
DOC gives its height as 1114 metres.
Are dogs allowed?
Only with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes.
Is the road open in winter?
DOC says the access road may be closed at times because of snow and ice. 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.