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Mangaweka Scenic Reserve
Level: Easy
This is a great short walk and the track is easy to follow. Although there are some steeper sections, it’s suitable for most capabilities!
Children can tackle this walk easily, and will love exploring the native forest.
At the first big kahikatea, look left and you’ll see an open, grassy area providing stunning views out across the Mangaweka river terraces and the cliffs cradling the Rangitikei River, to the Ruahine Ranges. The track later heads into thicker forest with large matai, rimu, tawa and titoki trees.
Across the road from the trail entrance sits the old main trunk railway tunnel, an eerie piece of history that has since been named the “ghost tunnel” … sounds spooky, but it’s a pretty cool piece of Mangaweka to check out on your walk!
The Ngahere Hikoi
Level: Easy
Our very own “Ngahere Walk” we built up during the COVID Lockdown. Just over the Mangaweka Bridge, this short loop track is a great way to spend an afternoon exploring the small native reserve at the Mangaweka Campground. Chat to one of our friendly staff for directions.
The Dam
Level: Easy
A short walk from Awastone, you'll find the historic Mangaweka Dam & Power Station.
Mangaweka was one of the first towns along the North Island Main Trunk railway to have its own power. The project was started in 1911 to provide the approximately 600 residents of Mangaweka with town water and sewerage.
Not just packed with history, it's a beautiful 5-10minute walk and a popular swim spot for the locals!
We have put up signs towards the Dam, but you can ask one of our staff for some more detailed directions.
Whitecliffs Boulders
Level: Easy to Intermediate
Whitecilffs Boulders are an eerie Boulder Garden sitting on the banks of the Rangitikei River.
These magical and intriguing Boulders are made from mudstone. They have to be seen to be believed.
You can make a day of it, skip the steep hike back up the farm and throw it in with a scenic float.
Our Boulders Scenic Float Trip is a half day river float, stopping lunch amongst these Boulders midway through a gentle drift down the river is a fantastic way to discover the Rangitikei.
Purity Hut Track
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
A steep climb leads to Purity Hut, nestled above the bushline on the Hikurangi Range in the Ruahine Forest Park.
The trail starts off flat for 30-40 minutes, then climbs steeply for another 30-40 minutes to reach the Ruahine Forest Park boundary. From there the track climbs up through the red beech and kaikawaka forest at a reasonably steep grade until reaching Purity Hut amongst the tussock.
The tussock slopes above Purity lead to the Ruahine Forest Park’s highest point – Mangaweka (1733 m), often covered with winter snow. The hut has spectacular views right to the central North Island mountains.
Access is closed from 1 June to 31 October and may be closed at other times of the year for farm management purposes.
Rangiwahia Hut and Deadmans Loop Trail
Level: Easy to Intermediate
This well-graded track to the tussock tops is a great overnight tramp for families with children and new trampers.
The Rangiwahia Hut area is renowned for its skiing history, the hut sits above the bush line on the Whanahuia Range. Forest in this area is predominantly red beech.
The track zig-zags above the Mangahuia Stream for about 45 minutes until you arrive at the picturesque arched wooden bridge. Over the bridge hits a steeper grade and past a beautiful waterfall to reach Rangiwahia Hut.
You can return the same way, though the Deadmans Loop Trail provides new scenery as you head down the trig and back into the bush back to the car park.
Iron Gate Hut Track
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Iron Gate Hut is a good day's hike along a sidle track up the Oroua River valley and a popular stop for longer tramps in the ranges.The track follows above the Oroua River all the way down to Iron Gate Hut beside the river. While it doesn’t climb to any great height, the track does several steep descents and climbs in and out of side streams.
There’s so many more great tramps in the Ruahine Forest Park. Whether you’re day explorers or weekend warriors, there’s something for everyone here!
Our team at Awastone are happy to help with hut and track info, maps and directions.
For all info and to learn about the natural vegetation and the rare, threatened species that are features of the Ruahine Forest Park, you can visit the Department of Conservation Website.
