Last updated November 2026
The Kumeti Road end tramping tracks lead into the southern Ruahine Range from Kumeti Road, which DOC places 13 km from Dannevirke in Eastern Ruahine Forest Park.
From the road end you can tramp to Kiritaki Hut, a DOC hut, in 5–6 hours, or cross the range to Opawe Road in 6–7 hours. Both are Advanced tramping tracks, and DOC recommends the Opawe Road crossing for experienced trampers.
The big feature is leatherwood: DOC says this route passes the largest unbroken mass of it in New Zealand. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alerts for these tracks, but check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Kumeti Road end tramping tracks on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Kumeti Road end, off Maharahara Road south of Dannevirke; the track proper begins 1.3 km up the Mangapuaka Stream
- Distance from the city
- About 34 km from Palmerston North
- Walking time
- Kumeti Road to Kiritaki Hut 5–6 hr; Kumeti Road to Opawe Road 6–7 hr
- Grade
- Advanced tramping track (DOC grade)
- Dogs
- Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only
- Track type
- Tramping track over the southern Ruahine Range
- Huts
- Kiritaki Hut (DOC Standard hut, 6 bunks)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Kumeti Road end tramping tracks
Kumeti Road is the eastern gateway to a pair of tramps across the southern end of the Ruahine Range. Both start the same way: you follow the Mangapuaka Stream upriver for 1.3 km to the start of the track on the true right of the river.
DOC is clear that this river section is not a marked or maintained route, so it calls for some route-finding from the very beginning.
The Opawe Road crossing is a full day over the range. DOC describes rimu and mountain forest giving way to the largest unbroken mass of leatherwood in New Zealand. There are no open tops, and DOC says the track is well defined, but the area is exposed and often windy and cloudy, which is why it is recommended for experienced trampers.
The Kiritaki Hut option shares the start of the crossing. About 2–3 hours from the Kumeti Road end on the east to west crossing, the track to the hut heads south down a ridge to a stream, then climbs steeply to the hut, which sits among dense leatherwood.
These tracks suit fit, experienced trampers who are comfortable with river travel and exposed, unmarked starts. For most people Kiritaki Hut makes a natural overnight goal, while the Opawe Road crossing needs transport arranged at the far end.
Kiritaki Hut
Kiritaki Hut is a DOC Standard hut. DOC lists 6 bunk beds with mattresses, heating, a non-flush toilet and tap water that is not treated, so boil it before use. DOC’s track page doesn’t give booking or fee details, so check the hut page on the DOC website before you go.
Getting There and River Conditions
DOC puts Dannevirke 85 km from Napier on State Highway 2. Head south from Dannevirke, turn right into Maharahara Road and take the next right into Kumeti Road. DOC also has a Kumeti Road map on its track page.
The opening 1.3 km follows the Mangapuaka Stream, and DOC warns it is dangerous to cross or follow the river when the water is high, which can happen during or after heavy rain.
If the river is up, don’t start. Check the forecast on Plan My Walk, pack warm clothes and extra food, leave your intentions with a trusted contact and carry a distress beacon.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Kumeti Road end tramping tracks: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Ruahine Forest Park: the wider park, its huts and road ends, and park-wide alerts.
Plan My Walk: a free planner for weather, alerts and gear lists before a backcountry trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reach Kiritaki Hut?
DOC times Kumeti Road to Kiritaki Hut at 5–6 hours.
How long is the crossing to Opawe Road?
DOC times Kumeti Road to Opawe Road at 6–7 hours, and recommends it for experienced trampers.
How hard are these tracks?
Both are Advanced tramping tracks. The start follows an unmarked river section, the climb to Kiritaki Hut is steep, and the range is exposed, windy and often cloudy.
Are dogs allowed?
Only with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes.
What is Kiritaki Hut like?
It’s a DOC Standard hut with 6 bunks, mattresses, heating, a non-flush toilet and untreated tap water to boil before drinking.
Where does the track start?
At the end of Kumeti Road, south of Dannevirke off Maharahara Road. You then follow the Mangapuaka Stream 1.3 km to the start of the track on the true right of the river.
Are there open tops?
No. DOC says the Opawe Road crossing has no open tops, but passes through rimu and mountain forest and a huge expanse of leatherwood.
Are the tracks open?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alert for these tracks. Check the DOC page before you go, and don’t start if the Mangapuaka Stream is high.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.