Walk Details

NZ Walking Routes > Manawatu > Western Ruahine - Purity to Kawhatau Base Track

Western Ruahine - Purity to Kawhatau Base Track

Location

You will need to arrange transport as the start and finish points for this hike are different.

Purity Road end

Heading just north from Mangaweka turn right off SH1, cross the Rangitikei River and follow Kawhatau Valley Road. This eventually leads to Upper Kawhatau Valley Road and not far past this turn right onto Mangakukeke Road. Follow this to the car park at the end.

Kawhatau Base Road end

Heading just north from Mangaweka turn right off SH1, cross the Rangitikei River and follow Kawhatau Valley Road. This eventually leads to Upper Kawhatau Valley Road which becomes Rangitane Road. Follow this to the car park at the end through farmland.

Description

Day 1: Mangakukeke Roadend to Purity Hut (3 – 4 hr)

Climb the marked Purity Hut Track through farmland and forest to Purity Hut, nestled above the bushline
on the Hikurangi Range.

Day 2: Purity Hut to McKinnon Hut (4 – 6 hr)

The track follows on up the tussock ridge from Purity Hut to Wooden Peg (1672 m). From here turn left along the tops of the range and head northeast to Iron Peg (1703 m) and on past small tarns to Mangaweka Trig (1733 m) the highest point in the Ruahine Forest Park. Travel is then possible right along the open tussock tops of the Hikurangi Range to McKinnon Hut sitting just above the bushline down a short side ridge at the northern end. Some lovely tarns are passed on the way. Due to travel on the unmarked open tops this section should not be attempted in poor visibility or bad weather. Snow can occur any time of year.

Day 3: McKinnon Hut to Kawhatau Base (4 – 6 hr)

Walk back on the McKinnon Hut Track along the crest of the Hikurangi Range from McKinnon Hut and down the long ridge to the cableway across the Kawhatau River. Unless the river is up, it is easy to walk across the river here. It is a short walk back to Kawhatau Base from this point.

Level

Hard

Amenities

• Carpark
• Huts
• Tramping

Source

www.doc.govt.nz

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