New Zealand Walk: Two trails at Te Puia Hot Springs

Makahu Road to Te Puia Hut (Lodge)

Time: two to three hours. From the end of Makahu Road a track leads up the true right of the Mohaka River to Te Puia Hut.

Te Puia Hut is in a serviced category with 26 bunk beds, cooking, heating, and mattresses.

Bookings not required - first come, first served Above: The trail beside the Mohaka River. Two people can be seen near the middle.

Te Puia Hut (Lodge) to Mangatainoka Hot Springs

Time: 45 minutes. From Te Puia Hut the track continues up river, past the turnoff to Makino Hut, and crosses a bridge over the Makino River just above its confluence with the Mohaka River.

The track then continues alongside the Mohaka, through native bush with some rolling terrain. Steep drop-offs in some sections lend nice views of the surrounding foothills. There is a final steep descent to reach the hot springs.

At the hot springs, on a small manuka terrace beside the Mohaka River, there are two fibreglass baths surrounded by a decking area.

The Mangatainoka Hot Springs Campsite is adjacent to the pools.

If you wish to travel up the river from the hot springs, be aware this is private land and prior permission from the landowner is required. Getting there From Napier, follow Puketitiri Road for 40 km, then turn into Pakaututu Road. Follow this for 9 km then turn into Makahu Road and follow this for a further 10 km to the end.

The trip involves about a one hour drive of travel on unsealed gravel roads, as well as a river ford on Makahu Road 7.5 km from the road end.

Take care when driving through the ford as heavy rain and snow melt can affect the water level.

The road is narrow, and may be slippery when wet. Check with Hastings District Council (external site) for temporary road closures.

Makahu Road is not suitable for caravans or campervans.

Wasp populations may increase in the warmer months – wear light-coloured clothing and carry appropriate medication.