Last updated October 2026
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC listed Yeoman’s Track in Ruahine Forest Park as closed: “All water crossings on this track have been extensively damaged or washed away. The track is closed as the structures are unsafe. This is a long term alert.” Check DOC before you plan a visit.
When open, this low-level forest track follows an old log-hauling route to the site of Yeoman’s Mill and on to historic Ellis Hut, built in 1884. DOC grades it Easy to intermediate for walkers and allows 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes for the 5.7 km track.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Yeoman's Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOCTrack facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.
Practical Information
- Status
- Closed when checked on 18 October 2026 (water crossings damaged or washed away; long-term alert). Check DOC for reopening.
- Start
- Wakarara Road end, about 26.5 km along Wakarara Road from SH50
- Distance from the city
- About 50 km from Hastings
- Walking time
- 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes
- Track length
- 5.7 km
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate (walking); Intermediate, Grade 3 (mountain biking)
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Walking track, open to walkers and mountain bikers
- Huts
- Ellis Hut (DOC historic hut, free)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
About Yeoman’s Track
The track follows a route where logs were once hauled to Yeoman’s Mill. DOC records that the mill started in 1926 and ran for 30 years, handling over 50 million feet of podocarp logs and employing 18 staff at its peak. Walking it shows how the forest has regenerated since logging stopped in the 1960s.
At the northern end stands Ellis Hut, built in 1884 and the oldest surviving hut in the park. It is also known as Murderer’s Hut, after accused murderer Jack Ellis used it as a refuge for nine months in 1904. DOC lists it as a free historic hut with an open fire.
When the track is open, you can make a round trip along Ellis and Wakarara roads back to the road end at the Makaroro River. For mountain bikers, DOC rates the track Intermediate (Grade 3) with sharp, steep climbs, narrow sections and deep, muddy ruts at times, and says it is easier to ride from the Ellis Hut end.
Track Closure and Access Alerts
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC listed Yeoman’s Track as closed because all its water crossings are damaged or washed away. DOC calls this a long-term alert, so do not use the track until DOC reopens it.
At the same check, DOC also noted that public vehicle access to Makororo Road and Wakarara Road within Gwavas Forest was closed Monday to Friday for logging, with the roads open for foot access at weekends.
DOC also 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.
Getting There
DOC says the track is reached from the Wakarara Road end, about 75 km from Napier. Turn onto Wakarara Road from State Highway 50 and follow it for about 26.5 km to the end. There is no vehicle access into the park from here: a poled route with orange markers follows the fence line and crosses a paddock to the Makaroro River, which must be crossed.
DOC warns it is dangerous to cross when the river is higher than normal. The roads pass through private commercial forest for foot and bike access only, so watch for logging trucks and forestry workers.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Yeoman’s Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Hastings District Council: parks, reserves and local road information for the Hastings district.
Plan My Walk: plan your trip, check the forecast and share your intentions with someone you trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yeoman’s Track open?
No. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC listed it as closed long term because the water crossings are damaged or washed away.
How long is the track?
About 5.7 km. DOC allows 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes for walkers.
What is Ellis Hut?
A free DOC historic hut built in 1884, the oldest surviving hut in Ruahine Forest Park, also known as Murderer’s Hut.
Can I mountain bike it?
When open, DOC rates it Intermediate (Grade 3) and says it is easier from the Ellis Hut end.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC lists the track as no dogs.
Can I drive to the road end on weekdays?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC said public vehicle access to Wakarara Road within Gwavas Forest was closed Monday to Friday for logging. Check the DOC page before you go.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.