Mangatutu Hot Springs
Makahu Road, Kaweka Forest
Mangatutu Hot Springs
Makahu Road, Kaweka Forest, Hastings District, Hawkes Bay
Mangatutu Hot Springs is a popular Department of Conservation camping, picnic and fishing spot, and a starting point for excurisons up the Mohaka River and further into the Kaweka Forest Park.
Located in the Kaweka Forest Park it's almost impossible to get any closer to New Zealand's natural bush landscape.
Getting to the pools is not easy, but worth the effort. The drive from Napier is approx. 90 minutes to the Kaweka Forest. From the car park/bbq area on Makahu Road, follow a track down the cliff towards the Mohaka River until you find the pools - and outstanding views over the river.
Along with soaking in the thermal springs, Mangatutu campers will also enjoy swimming, rafting, fishing and walking in the area. Sika and red deer can be hunted in the park while the river offers rainbow and brown trout.
Getting there
From Napier, follow Puketitiri Road for 40 km, then turn into Pakaututu Road. Follow this road for 9 km then turn into Makahu Road and follow this for a further 10 km to the end.
The trip involves about 1hr 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 for temporary road closures.
Makahu Road is not suitable for caravans or campervans.
Note on Opening Hours
While the pools are technically open 24/7, we don't recommend walking the track outside of daylight hours.
Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get back to the carpark before sunset.
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