Ruahine Forest Park
Located in the Manawatu/Whanganui and Hawke’s Bay regions
Introduction
The Ruahine Forest Park consists of beautiful bush-covered ranges with a range of recreation opportunities.Highlights
Find things to do and places to stay Ruahine Forest Park
Takapari Rd takes an 11 km climb up to A-Frame Hut. Enjoy extensive views to east and west coasts from the tops. Be prepared for extreme weather conditions. Check beforehand that the road is open for vehicles.
On the southern end of the Ruahine Range is the Wharite television transmitter. The access road to the transmitter provides a scenic drive up to a picnic area where views of the surrounding countryside, wind turbines and Palmerston North are found. This road can become impassable at times due to snow and other extreme weather conditions.
The forest park stretches almost 100 km from the Taruarau River in the north to the Manawatu Gorge in the South.
Ruahine Forest Park can be accessed from its eastern side and its western side. Restricted access to Ruahine Forest Park via a private road through Big Hill Station is permitted by agreement with the landowner. Learn about access to No Man's Road via Big Hill Station.
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, and there can be snow at any time of the year.
- Get local advice on track and weather conditions before setting out.
- Weather can change quickly with heavy rain and strong winds common even in summer. Always take warm clothing and a waterproof outer layer.
- It is recommended that you boil, chemically treat or filter water before drinking.
- Always tell someone reliable what your tramping intentions are.
- Be aware that vehicles left at road ends have sometimes been broken into.
- Topographical maps and a compass are essential. Many of the open tops are unmarked and should only be crossed in good visibility.
- Be aware of park boundaries to avoid trespassing onto private land.
Rivers and streams
With heavy rain streams and rivers rise quickly. If there are no bridges, turn back and wait for the river levels to go down.
Crossing rivers: If you plan to cross an unbridged river, you must know how to identify an unsafe river, and where and how to cross safely. You should also be prepared for being unable to cross.
If the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe, do not try to cross. Turn back or wait for the river to drop - this often takes a few hours after rain, so be ready and pack emergency shelter and extra food.
A river is unsafe if there is:
- discoloured water
- debris in the water (such as branches)
- water flowing faster than walking pace
- movement of rocks in the water you can hear
Learn more about river safety on the NZ Mountain Safety Council website.
Fires
Extreme fire conditions can exist during summer. The park is a restricted fire area, which means permits to light fires are required all year round.
Dogs
Only registered, avian aversion certified hunting dogs, Guide dogs, companion dogs (certified by the Top Dog Companion Trust) and dogs used for special services (including conservation management activities) are permitted in the park. All other dogs are banned. Hunting with dogs
Maps
The Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) topographical maps that cover the Ruahine Forest Park are:
- Topo50 map BJ37 - Kuripapango
- Topo50 map BK36 - Taoroa Junction
- Topo50 map BK37 - Tikokino
- Topo50 map BL35 - Kimbolton
- Topo50 map BL36 - Norsewood
- Topo50 map BM35 - Woodville
- Topo50 map BM36 - Dannevirke
Vegetation in the park varies as the altitude changes. Visitors may be treated to the sights and sounds of numerous native birds, but there are introduced animals as well. Find out about nature in Ruahine Forest Park.
The history of Ruahine Forest Park spans Māori and European settlement as well as early recreation.
Fulcher's Cottage, built in 1931 by George Fulcher, serves as a reminder of just how late the 'pioneering' spirit survived in New Zealand.
Contacts
| Te Papaioea / Palmerston North Office | |
| Phone: | +64 6 350 9700 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | manawatu@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
28 North Street Palmerston North 4410 |
| Postal Address: |
Private Bag 11010 Manawatu Mail Centre Palmerston North 4442 |
| Full office details | |
