McKinnon Hut Track
Alerts
NIWA weather risks
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Forecast point: Rangiwahia Hut (1327m) · 13.3km away
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
Perched on the northern end of the Hikurangi Range in Ruahine Forest Park, McKinnon Hut is accessed via a long ridge climbing up from the Kawhatau Valley. Stay a night and return the same way.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Description
Walk approximately 8 km up the Kawhatau River. The track to McKinnon Hut begins on the true left of the river with a steep climb up the ridge. This eventually takes you to the tussock tops of the Hikurangi Range. Continue past the turnoff to Crow Hut then drop down to McKinnon Hut.
Alternatively, you can make the trip over two days. To do this, continue on in the river for another 1.5 km and spend a night at Kawhatau Base, before crossing the river and heading up the ridge to the McKinnon Hut Track.
Beware, this trip may not be possible during times of high river flow.
Due to travel on the open tops this hike should not be attempted in poor visibility or bad weather.
Getting there
Access through private land at Rangitane Road end is no longer available. Access to the McKinnon Hut Track is now available via the Kawhatau River, starting at the Rangitane Road bridge.
To get to the Rangitane Road bridge, head north from Mangaweka and 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. The bridge is just past the turn off to Smiths Road. There is no car park.
Nearby
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track