Kaweka Flats Bivouac, Kaweka Forest Park
WILD FILE
Grade Easy-moderate
Access Makahu Saddle, Whittle Road (65km from Napier)
Time 2hr each way
Distance
Map
Description
In country as precipitous and rugged as the Kaweka Range, there are limited options for family tramping. Happily, one
accessible option suitable for school-age children is the track to Kaweka Flats Bivouac. The biv occupies a grassy clearing
among manuka, overlooking the craggy main Kaweka Range. Reached after a fairly easy two-hour walk. The track passes
through surprisingly lush forest and fords a couple of small streams. The only harder section is the final short climb slope to
where the flats proper begin.
The biv has space for three at a squeeze and nice camping spots nearby for larger parties. Kids might enjoy a side-trip to visit
the nearby Iron Whare – the oldest hut in the range – which dates back the 1870s, when hardy musterers used to graze sheep
in the range.
Elevation Profile
© Wilderness Magazine, www.wildernessmag.co.nz
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to map this route correctly, Wilderness Magazine does not take responsibility for any errors in the route. Users should use discretion
when planning their routes and gather as much information as possible before departing.
Maps are created with Memory-Map software, version 6. This software shows purple tracks and hut icons as verified routes and huts – meaning they are where they say they are
and should be passable. If a purple track is shown on the maps in this document, it is the route from the Memory-Map software. If a red or blue route is shown, it has been drawn by
Wilderness.
Kaweka Flats Bivouac, Kaweka Forest Park
© Wilderness Magazine, www.wildernessmag.co.nz