A Walk in the Park!

Discover the nearby recreation opportunities in the western Ruahine Forest Park. Enjoy a walk, drive, mountain bike or backcountry hut visit in this scenic backdrop to Palmerston North. Remember to plan, prepare and equip yourself well for a safe and enjoyable adventure.  To download Palmerston North's Walkways brochure click here.

Department of Conservation Tracks in Manawatu

1 Kawhatau Base

Enjoy an overnight stay at the Department of Conservation Field Base in the Kawhatau Valley. Bookings are essential. Walk to the river for a fish or swim (15 mins one way). A steep climb to Colenso Trig affords spectacular views (3 hours one way).

Driving Time from Palmerston North: 1 ¾  hours.

2 Purity Hut 

(3-4 hours one way)

Nestled above the bushline on the Hikurangi Range this hut (sleeps 6) has excellent views to the central mountains and surrounds. Track climbs steeply most of the way.

Driving Time from Palmerston North: 1 ¾  hours.

3 Kelly Knight Hut

(2-3 hours one way)

Have a more adventurous tramp to Kelly Knight hut (sleeps 8) in the Pourangaki River valley. Track sidles high above the river in places and crosses small creeks. An exciting swingbridge (not suitable for small children) crosses the main river just before the hut. Permission needed to cross farmland.

Driving Time from Palmerston North: 1 ¾ hours.

4 Rangiwahia Hut

(2-3 hours one way)

A popular tramp to the tussock tops of the Whanahuia Range with spectacular views of the central North Island mountains. Ideal for an easy overnight family tramp. Hut sleeps 13.

Driving Time from Palmerston North: 1 ½ hours.

5 Alice Nash Memorial Heritage Lodge

(2 hours return)

Take the children on an easy walk to Heritage Lodge (public area sleeps 8) in the scenic Oroua River valley.  Access the Oroua River flats from near the hut for fishing, swimming, camping and picnicking (1 hour return). Iron Gates Hut is 4 hours walk from Heritage.

Driving Time from Palmerston North: 1 ½ hours.

6 Deerford Track

(2 or 4 hours)

Walk through forest to picturesque Makiekie Creek for a picnic and a paddle. Return the same way (2 hours return) or for a longer tramp do the full loop (3 – 4 hours).  Track moderately steep in places.

Driving Time from Palmerston North: 1 ½ hours.

7 Takapari Road drive

Take a drive up steep, windy Takapari Road on to the Ruahine Range. Visit A Frame hut at the top. Road only suitable for 4WD vehicles and mountain bikes. Closed at times, due to weather and road conditions.

Driving Time from Palmerston North: 1 ¾  hours to barrier at end of maintained road (1 km before A Frame Hut).

8 No.1 Line Viewpoint

(3 hours return)

Stroll past a large rimu and rata before climbing steeply to this viewpoint of the main Ruahine range. Looking back enjoy views right to the coast. A short track near the start leads down to the Matanganui Stream.

Driving Time from Palmerston North: 45 minutes.

9 Wharite Peak drive

Excellent views from this drive to the television transmitter site high on the southern tip of the Ruahine Forest Park.  Caution needed on this narrow, windy, gravel road.

Driving Time from Palmerston North: 50 minutes to TV transmitter (Wharite Road accessed via Woodlands Road near Woodville).

Options for longer tramps in the Ruahine Forest Park are plentiful.  On all outings in the Park take a topographical map, warm clothing, waterproof coat and carry food and drink. Tell someone of your intentions.

Links to more information on walkways and hikes in Manawatu:

    Department of Conservation walks, tracks and huts in Manawatu.

    Palmerston North City Walkways

To purchase Department of Conservation hut passes and maps contact:

    i-SITE Palmerston North

    The Square, Palmerston North

    Phone: +64 6 350 1922

    Email: palmerstonnnorth@i-site.org