Purity - Kelly Knight Hut Loop Track

Day 1: Mangakukeke Roadend to Purity Hut

Time: 3–4 hr

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

Purity Hut

Day 2: Purity Hut to Kelly Knight Hut

Time: 4–5 hr

The track follows on up a tussock ridge from Purity Hut to Wooden Peg (1672 m). From here a roughly poled route heads south, then descends through forest to Kelly Knight Hut in the Pourangaki River valley. Due to travel on the open tops this section should not be attempted in poor visibility or bad weather.

Kelly Knight Hut

Day 3: Kelly Knight Hut to Mangakukeke Roadend

Time: 3 hr 30 min – 4 hr 30 min

Walk the sidle Kelly Knight Track out from Kelly Knight Hut to the entrance point on Kohunui Station and then follow the farm road back out to the Purity carpark.

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 carpark at the end.

Permission needed to access the hut

Access to the hut is via a working farm. You need the landowner's permission to walk to Purity Hut from the carpark at the end of Mangakukeke Road.

• Contact DOC Manawatū Office for the landowner's contact details.
• Email the farm owner to request access over the farm – at least 48 hours before your visit.

Access to Purity Hut involves first gaining permission to walk across an active working farm.

Hazards

The farm is an active workplace. Hazards change daily and may include moving stock, farm vehicles, electric fences, irrigation equipment, uneven ground, and chemicals used for pest or weed control. Animals may react unpredictably to people, dogs, or sudden movements, even if they appear calm.

• Always stick to the marked routes
• Leave gates exactly as you find them
• Keep well clear of machinery
• Closely supervise children at all times

Dogs

If your dog has been permitted (check with the landowner when you request access permission) keep it under strict control. Dogs can frighten/injure livestock very quickly.

Firearms prohibited

Visitors must not hunt or bring loaded firearms onto private property, nor use spotlights or light fires.

Sick/dead farm animals

Occasionally, walkers may come across a sick or dead animal on farmland. If this happens to you, do not touch the animal, as there may be disease risks or other hazards. Notify the farmer or land manager as soon as possible.

Ongoing access

Respecting farm rules and reporting concerns helps protect your own safety, supports animal welfare, and ensures farms can continue to be shared responsibly with the public.

Abuse of access rights will result in trespass, prosecution and permanent closure of public access.