Knuckle Hill

From Tākaka, head north along State Highway 60 to Collingwood, which is where State Highway 60 ends. Continue north along Collingwood-Puponga Main Rd to Pakawau and turn left onto Pakawau Bush Rd, which becomes gravel as it reaches Whanganui Inlet. Dry Rd continues around the inlet, crossing several tidal arms via causeways and bridges. You will see a DOC sign indicating the left-hand turnoff to the car park, which is 500 m up a gravel side road.

Knuckle Hill Track branches off of Kaituna Track. The majority of Kaituna Track is within Northwest Nelson Forest Park. The summit of Knuckle Hill delineates the boundary of Kahurangi National Park.

From the car park, Kaituna Track follows an old forestry road along a spur through regenerating mixed podocarp forest. The track has a gentle uphill gradient most of the way. Occasional gaps in the trees allow glimpses towards the coast, and Knuckle Hill can be seen ahead.

After 4 km you will reach the turnoff to Knuckle Hill. If you’re riding you’ll have to leave your bike here as the remaining distance is unrideable. The track emerges into pakihi scrub of mānuka and tussock, with sandy granite rocks underfoot. At this point the track steepens as you climb the remaining 150 vertical metres to the trig at the summit.

The 506 m elevation summit offers stunning views. Knuckle Hill is the only sufficiently prominent location from which the entirety of Whanganui Inlet can be seen. You will also enjoy views of the western side of Burnett Range, the forested hill country southwest between the coast and Wakamarama Range, and on clear days you may be able to see Kahurangi Point Lighthouse.

Return from the summit the way you came. Once back at the Kaituna Track, turn right to head back to the car park. Otherwise, Kaituna Track heads left and continues for a further 14 km to Aorere Valley.