Purity Hut, Ruahine Forest Park.
The Ruahine Forest Park covers an area of 94,000 ha which consists of tussock tops, craggy peaks, bush covered ranges and picturesque rivers. It offers considerable recreational opportunities including tramping, hunting, cross country skiing, kayaking, fishing, swimming and camping. There is a network of tracks and huts.
The Palmerston North Area Office of the Wanganui Conservancy manages the western side, while the eastern side of the park is managed by the East Coast Hawke's Bay Conservancy from the Napier Area Office.
During the 1930s the rounded open top of the Whanahuia Range in Ruahine Forest Park beckoned to ski enthusiasts. Rangiwahia Hut is on the site of the old skifield.
You can enjoy walking, hunting, snow skiing, fishing, rafting and canoeing in the Western Ruahine Forest Park.
A network of huts are provided and maintained by the Department of Conservation throughout the park.
Ruahine Forest Park is characterised by a cool, cloudy climate with heavy rain at times. The area is renown for strong winds especially in the southern ranges.
Ruahine Forest Park and its neighbouring parks form an almost continuous chain of protected lands along the central North Island ranges. Recreation opportunities include hunting, mountain biking and tracks for both experienced trampers and day walkers.
The Palmerston North Area Volunteer Programme requires volunteers year round to assist with an array of conservation and recreation projects.
Western Ruahine Forest Park factsheet (PDF, 1000K)
A walk in the park (PDF, 850K)
NZ weather
New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres
Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.
Safety information
Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.
