Exploring Iron Gates Gorge on The Country Road

For a true wilderness experience with daunting sheer cliffs and a powerful river pushing through a narrow gorge that guards the entrance to the nearby valley and farmland, Iron Gates Gorge is an excellent day walk. Starting from Palmerston North city, drive just over an hour North though the picturesque Pohangina Valley to just north of Apiti on The Country Road. This route hugs the Ruahine Mountain range through a diverse terrain of native bush, hill country and farmland. Turn right just north of Apiti onto Oroua Valley road and a few kms on turn right onto Table Flat Road. This takes you to a Y intersection, at which you turn left onto Petersen's Road until you reach the car park. From there Iron Gates Gorge is a 90 minute walk where you become immersed in the high peaks and the forest that enclose the valley. Keep a camera handy to capture native birds flitting amongst the trees. If you have time to explore further, stay in a local B&B or country lodge, and spend time horse riding, cycling, meeting the locals at the pub, and visiting the local attractions.