The Manawatu Gorge track (also known as the Te Apiti Track) is the walking track network through the deep gorge cutting between the Tararua and Ruahine ranges east of Palmerston North. The track features native bush, viewpoints over the gorge, and connections to the Te Apiti Wind Farm ridge above.
The track ranges from short loops (the Tawa Loop, about 1 hour return) to the longer full gorge traverse (4-6 hours one way). Different options suit different fitness levels and time commitments.
Practical Information
| Location | Te Apiti / Manawatu Gorge, between Ashhurst (western end) and Woodville (eastern end) |
| Distance from PN | About 20 km east, 25-30 min drive to western trailhead via Ashhurst |
| Tawa Loop | About 1 hour return; well-formed bush track |
| Tararua Tramping Club track | 3-5 hours return; climbs to ridge with wind farm views |
| Full gorge traverse | 4-6 hours one way; arrange transport at each end |
| Best for | Bush walks, scenery, cultural-heritage interest, photography |
About the Track
The Manawatu Gorge track network gives access to one of the most-significant scenic landscapes in the wider Manawatu region. The gorge has been a travel and trade corridor for Rangitane and other iwi for centuries, with the name Te Apiti meaning ‘the narrow passage’.
The Tawa Loop track from the western (Ashhurst) trailhead is the easiest option and the most-recommended for first-time visitors. The 1-hour bush walk passes through regenerating native forest with rata, rimu and tawa, with viewing platforms over the gorge floor.
The longer Tararua Tramping Club track climbs from the gorge floor to the ridge above, where viewpoints reach across to the Te Apiti Wind Farm turbines. Allow 3-5 hours return; the climb is sustained and the track conditions vary with weather.
The full gorge traverse from Ashhurst to Woodville is about 10 km and takes 4-6 hours one way. Arrange transport at each end. The traverse covers the full track network and gives the most-large bush experience.
Cultural and Natural Features
The western trailhead area features a carved pou whenua (Maori cultural marker) acknowledging Rangitane and other iwi cultural significance to the site. The gorge has long been a significant travel corridor and the pou whenua signals this ongoing cultural connection.
Natural features include the regenerating native bush, viewing platforms over the gorge floor where the Manawatu River runs through, and the panoramic views from the ridge tracks. Bush bird life is one of the better Manawatu-area sites for tui, kereru, fantail and bellbird.
Note that the SH3 road through the gorge has been permanently closed since 2017 following slips. The new Te Ahu a Turanga highway over the ranges to the north opened in stages from late 2024 as the replacement route.
What Visitors Often Say
Walkers consistently describe the Manawatu Gorge track as one of the most-rewarding walks easily reached from PN. The combination of native bush, gorge scenery, cultural pou whenua and the wind farm view from the upper ridge all draw specific positive mentions. The Tawa Loop is the most-recommended starting walk.
Practical observations: gorge road permanently closed (use Saddle Road or Te Ahu a Turanga); track conditions vary with weather, expect mud after rain; allow longer than signposted estimates for the climb sections; check DOC and PNCC pages for current status; toilets at main carparks only.
Where to Learn More
DOC: Manawatu Gorge: official DOC information on the scenic reserve and tracks.
NZTA: Te Ahu a Turanga: official site for the replacement highway over the ranges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Manawatu Gorge track?
Between Ashhurst (western end) and Woodville (eastern end), east of Palmerston North.
How long is the Tawa Loop?
About 1 hour return on a well-formed bush track. The easiest option.
How long is the full traverse?
About 10 km, 4-6 hours one way. Arrange transport at each end.
Is the gorge road open?
No. SH3 through the gorge was permanently closed in 2017. The new Te Ahu a Turanga highway opened in stages from late 2024 as the replacement.
Can I see the wind farm?
Yes, from the upper ridge tracks. Turbine sites themselves are not open to public access.
Are there toilets?
At the main scenic reserve carparks only. None along the tracks.
What does Te Apiti mean?
Te Apiti means ‘the narrow passage’ in Maori, referring to the deep gorge cutting between the Tararua and Ruahine ranges.
For more walks, see walking tracks in Palmerston North. Pair with Te Apiti – Manawatu Gorge (full reserve page) or Arapuke Forest Park for a fuller outdoor day.