Last updated November 2026
The Comet Road end to Shutes Hut track leads from the end of Comet Road, off the Taihape Napier Road, to the Taruarau River and historic Shutes Hut in the northern Ruahine Forest Park. DOC grades it Advanced and allows 2–3 hours for the 6.5 km one-way track.
Shutes Hut is a quaint stone building from 1920, used first by rabbiters and then by musterers. DOC notes that Comet Hut has been removed from the road end, even though it still appears on maps. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for 1080 pest control in Ruahine Forest Park.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Comet Road end to Shutes Hut on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- End of Comet Road (3 km), off the Taihape Napier Road
- Distance from the city
- About 50 km from Hastings in a straight line (DOC gives the Comet Road turn-off as about 70 km from Hastings)
- Walking time
- 2–3 hours
- Track length
- 6.5 km one way
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- Dogs with DOC permit (hunting); when we checked on 18 October 2026, a DOC 1080 alert advised no dogs in the area
- Huts
- Shutes Hut (historic); no hut at the Comet Road end
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (1080 predator control in Ruahine Forest Park; not safe to hunt for food or have dogs in the area for up to 8 months). 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 Comet Road End to Shutes Hut
The track runs from the end of Comet Road down to the Taruarau River and on to Shutes Hut, in the northern Ruahine Forest Park.
Shutes Hut is built of local stone and cement mortar. DOC says it dates from 1920 and was used first as a rabbiters’ hut and then by musterers. It is maintained to keep its historic character.
Comet Hut, once at the road end, has been moved beside the Ngaruroro River and renamed Komata Hut. DOC notes it is still marked on some maps at the old site, but there is no hut or shelter there now.
Getting There
Turn off the Taihape Napier Road onto Comet Road; DOC puts the turn-off about 70 km, or 1 hour 15 minutes’ drive, from Hastings. Follow Comet Road to its end, 3 km in.
A forestry gate at the start of Comet Road allows it to be closed if road conditions are poor; DOC says any closure will show as an alert on the track page. DOC recommends 4WD vehicles for Kaweka Forest Park access roads.
River Crossings
The track leads to the Taruarau River, and DOC’s page includes river-crossing advice: do not cross if the river is flooded, if you cannot find good entry and exit points, or if you are unsure. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.
Planning Your Trip
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had a predator control alert for Ruahine Forest Park: 1080 bait was spread on 5 March 2026, and DOC advises against hunting for food or taking dogs into the area for up to 8 months.
Warning signs stay up until the caution period ends. Check DOC before you go, check the forecast and river flows, and tell someone your plans. Plan My Walk is a handy way to plan and share your trip.
From locals
Can Comet Road be closed on the way to the Shutes Hut track?
Are there any steep sections on the way down to the Taruarau River?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to walk to Shutes Hut?
DOC allows 2–3 hours from the end of Comet Road.
Where does the track start?
At the end of Comet Road, 3 km from the Taihape Napier Road.
Is there a hut at the road end?
No. DOC says Comet Hut has been removed, relocated beside the Ngaruroro River and renamed Komata Hut.
What is special about Shutes Hut?
It is a historic stone hut built in 1920 for rabbiters and later used by musterers.
Is there a river crossing?
The track leads to the Taruarau River, and DOC’s page gives river-crossing advice. Do not cross any river when it is flooded or you are unsure.
Can I take my dog?
The DOC rule is dogs with a DOC permit (hunting), but when we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC advised against taking dogs into the area because of 1080.
Do I need a 4WD?
DOC recommends 4WD vehicles for Kaweka Forest Park access roads.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 3
- Department of Conservation: Comet Road end to Shutes Hut: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
- Plan My Walk: plan your trip, check the forecast and share your intentions with someone you trust.
- Hastings District Council: parks, reserves and local road information for the Hastings district.
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.