Te Apiti – Manawatu Gorge

Main Track

Welcome to one of New Zealand's most beautiful playgrounds!

Join the other 75,000 people a year who enjoy this 10km walk in the hills above the Manawatu Gorge.  You'll find it both physically and spiritually rewarding, surrounded by towering New Zealand native bush, hearing nothing but the songs of New Zealand birds and the trudging of your feet along the path.  Look out for the enormous artwork of Whatonga, the father of the Manawatu people.  There are five places to stop and be transfixed by views over the magnificent Gorge; see the railway, the reserve, and the wind farms.

Be prepared for a workout - this walk takes at least two to three hours but adds on time if you have children with you.  The track follows a 5% gradient and can be challenging at times.  Make sure you take plenty of food, water, and wet weather gear.  You will need to have a car parked at both ends of the walk as it is not a loop track.  Or, call the local i-SITE on 0800 TARARUA (827 278) before your walk to arrange transport back to your car.

The track is well marked and has toilet facilities at the half waypoint.

Tawa Loop Track

 If you want to experience the beauty and splendor of the Manawatu Gorge walk but don't want to tackle the Main Track, then the 4km Tawa Loop may be for you.  It is less than half of the distance and time of the Main Track and loops around to end back at the Ashhurst carpark.  It can be challenging at times but this walk is great for children and the less physically capable and it offers all the benefits of the Main Track.

Manawatu Gorge Loop Walk

This walk begins at the Woodville end of the Manawatu Gorge and is perfect for those with young children ( take the pushchair) and those who struggle with their fitness.  It is a gentle one - kilometre flat path that provides a native bush, fauna, and wildlife experience in an easy wander.

Source: Tararua District Council