Exploring the Kaweka Forest - epic sunsets, awesome campsites and amazing views!

I spend the weekend exploring the Gentle Annie and zipping my way around the outside of the Kaweka Forest and ranges. With epic views and mint drives, it's an awesome place to spend a long weekend looking around.

Trip area

In this video

Comet Road

A short climb up into the Ruahine Ranges, Comet Road has a small hut at the top and some amazing views.

Well worth the detour off the Gentle Annie

Grade
Gravel
Time
1 hours
Distance
6 km

Kuripapango (Ox Bow) Campsite

This is a basic campsite in Hawke's Bay area. Camp at the edge of the park. Raft down the Ngaruroro River or have a go at fishing.

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Kuripapango Road

Gravel road out to 'The Lakes' in the Kaweka Forest Park.

Allow an hour to get to the lakes and back - well worth the walk from the carpark.

Grade
Gravel
Time
2 hours
Distance
6 km

Lawrence Road

A simple gravel road off the side of the Gentle Annie - takes you into the forest and down towards the river and a cool little campsite.

Grade
Gravel
Time
1 hours
Distance
7 km

Whittle Road

Steep bumpy gravel road that heads up over a 1000 metres into the hills with some amazing views!

Grade
Gravel
Time
2 hours
Distance
12 km

Kaweka Rd Lookout

Well worth the turn off to the lookout - some amazing views over the ranges and out over the Hawkes Bay. There's a small 'play' area too that could be a bit of fun!

Grade
Medium
Time
1 hours
Distance
1 km

Mangatutu Hot Springs Campsite

This is a popular camping, picnic and fishing spot, and a starting point for tramping, hunting or day walks up the Mohaka River and into the Kaweka Forest Park.

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Wharite Peak

Well formed gravel road up to a lookout - well worth the trip up on a clear day with views out from coast to coast.

Grade
Gravel
Time
1 hours
Distance
10 km