WikiCamps New Zealand

Sparrowhawk Bivvy

Campground

Contact

Sparrowhawk Track, Ruahine Forest Park, North Island.

manawatu@doc.govt.nz

doc.govt.nz/search-results/?query=Sparrowhawk+Bivvy

Description

This is a basic two-bunk hut located in Ruahine Forest Park in the Hawke's Bay region. There are no fees. Bookings not required - first come, first served. Facilities include mattresses, non-flush toilets and water (not treated - boil before use). Sparrowhawk bivouac sits in a sheltered basin below Maropea Peak. At 1350m altitude, the bivouac can experience extreme weather conditions. Sparrowhawk Biv can be accessed from the Wakarara Road end. This is approximately 75 km from Napier. Turn onto Wakarara Road from SH50 and follow for approximately 26.5 km to the end of Wakarara Road. Continue along the road past the Parks Peak Station sign to the carpark, indicated by DOC signs. Park to the left of the road at the indicated area, before the gate. Park well off the road and be mindful of farming operations that are being carried out. From the carpark, follow a poled route (marked with orange track markers) for approximately 500 m along the farmers fence line and through a paddock down to the river. Head upstream to the Ruahine Forest Park boundary by following the wide river valley to the Gold Creek junction, approx 1.5 hours from the carpark. Follow the track up a steep rocky ridge then pass through beech forest up the Sparrowhawk Spur before reaching sub-alpine shrublands. Tracks to the hut: Wakarara Road tramping tracks. There is no vehicle access to the Ruahine Forest Park from the Wakarara Road end. You will need to cross the Makaroro River; expect wet feet.