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 see 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 manuka 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 able to provide views of the entire Whanganui Inlet. You will also enjoy views of 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.