Manawatu Gorge Track
Alert/Important notice
There may be delays while work to repair the slip on the Manawatu Gorge road is carried out.
Heavy machinery will be accessing the Manawatu Gorge Road slip from the scenic reserve, so track users may be asked to wait while machines cross the track. Stop-Go signs will be used on the track to notify users when it is not safe to proceed. Please comply with all signage for safety reasons.
Please note that although the Manawatu Gorge road is closed, access to both car parks and track entrances is available.
Track category
Walking track
Time:
3 - 5 hr one way
Distance:
10 km
Description
The Manawatu Gorge Track passes through a unique landscape of steep greywacke ranges covered in native vegetation.
The track provides an opportunity to enjoy native bush, scenic views and wildlife only a short distance from Palmerston North.
From either end the track climbs steadily (and steeply in places) before levelling out for a spell high above the gorge. Five viewpoints along the way give spectacular views of the river, road, railway, reserve and nearby windfarms
After climbing up from the Woodville end, the Upper Gorge Bridge track gives an alternative route back down to State Highway 3. This track takes between 1 hr 30 min to 2 hr. Transport needs to be arranged as this track finishes at a different place to the start.
Please note: there is no footpath along the state highway and limited parking space.
Getting there
Trampers looking toward the Manawatu
Gorge
The Manawatu Gorge Track is located approximately 12 km east of Palmerston North adjacent to State Highway 3.
Access to the track from the west (Palmerston North/Ashhurst end) is from the car park on the left side of the road immediately before the gorge entrance.
From the east (Woodville end) the track entrance is located on the Ballance Gorge Road just across the Ballance Bridge.
Plan and prepare
The Manawatu Gorge Track is not a loop track - walkers will require transport at both ends of the track.
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.
Clothing
The weather can change quickly. Warm and waterproof clothing should be carried and sturdy shoes or boots worn.
Permit requirements for walking dogs
A recreational dog control permit is required to walk dogs on the Manawatu Gorge Track. Dogs must be under control at all times and must not disrupt other track users. A long term, intensive pest control operation is due to start in the reserve in April 2012 so recreational dog control permits are no longer being issued.
Location map
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