Last updated October 2026
The Ballance Loop Track is a short, easy bush loop at the Woodville end of the Manawatu Gorge Track, about 18 km from Palmerston North. It starts from the car park at the track entrance on Ballance Gorge Road and DOC times it at 15–30 minutes.
DOC grades it as an easy short walk, and the well-formed track is suitable for pushchairs, which makes it a good pick for families with young children.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC listed part of this track as closed: “The bridge on the Ballance Loop Track has been removed due to structural defects. As a result, the southern loop of the track is closed.” Check DOC before you go for the latest on the closure.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Ballance Loop Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOCTrack facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.
Practical Information
- Start
- Car park at the track entrance, Ballance Gorge Road (Woodville end of the Manawatu Gorge Track)
- Distance from the city
- About 18 km from Palmerston North
- Walking time
- 15–30 min loop
- Track length
- About 0.8 km
- Grade
- Easiest (DOC: easy short walk), suitable for pushchairs
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Walking track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Partly closed when checked on 18 October 2026 (southern loop closed after the bridge was removed due to structural defects). Check DOC before you go.
About Ballance Loop Track
This is one of the gentlest ways into the Manawatu Gorge Scenic Reserve, known as Te Āpiti. From the car park the track first follows the start of the much longer Manawatu Gorge Track, then turns off to the left and loops back through native bush to where you began.
The track is well formed and clearly signposted, so it suits walkers of all fitness levels as well as families with pushchairs. DOC describes it as a chance to enjoy native bush and birdlife only a short distance from Palmerston North, and it works well as a quick leg stretch or an introduction to the gorge for younger walkers.
A small detail worth looking out for: along the way are signs sharing how students from College Street Normal School in Palmerston North see the bush. They add an extra layer of interest for children walking the loop.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, the southern loop was closed, so the walk you could do was shorter than the full circuit. DOC’s alert notes that access to the Manawatu Gorge Track remains via the main track, so you can still carry on into the gorge if you want a longer outing.
Getting There
The Ballance Loop Track is at the Woodville end of the Manawatu Gorge Track. DOC’s directions are to turn off State Highway 3 onto Ballance Gorge Road and cross the Ballance Bridge to the car park at the track entrance. DOC puts the car park about 5 km from Woodville and about 30 km from Palmerston North by road.
Track Conditions and Safety
Even on a short walk, DOC’s advice is to be prepared: the weather can change quickly, so bring warm and waterproof layers, sturdy footwear, food and water. DOC also warns of landslide hazards and sections with steep drop-offs and bluffs, so supervise children closely and stay on the track.
Wasp nests and ongaonga (stinging nettle) are found along the track, particularly in the open parts. Both can cause strong skin irritation and allergic reactions, so don’t touch ongaonga and keep away from wasp activity. If you have allergies, DOC suggests carrying antihistamines or other treatment.
Dogs are not allowed anywhere in the Manawatu Gorge Scenic Reserve. The reserve is also part of an ongoing pest control programme that uses toxins, so read the signs at the track entrance for current information.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Ballance Loop Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Manawatu Gorge Scenic Reserve: the wider reserve, its other tracks and any alerts for the gorge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Ballance Loop Track take?
DOC times the loop at 15–30 minutes. When we checked on 18 October 2026, the southern loop was closed, so the walk you could do was shorter.
Is the Ballance Loop Track open?
Partly, when we checked on 18 October 2026. DOC’s alert said the bridge had been removed due to structural defects and the southern loop was closed. Check the DOC page before you go.
How hard is the walk?
It’s an easy short walk on a well-formed, clearly signposted track, suitable for people of all fitness levels.
Can I take a pushchair?
Yes. DOC says the track is suitable for pushchairs.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dogs are not allowed in the Manawatu Gorge Scenic Reserve.
Where does the track start?
At the car park at the track entrance, reached by turning off State Highway 3 onto Ballance Gorge Road and crossing the Ballance Bridge.
How far is it from Palmerston North?
The track is about 18 km from Palmerston North in a straight line, and DOC puts the car park about 30 km from the city by road.
Are there any hazards?
DOC warns of landslide hazards, steep drop-offs and bluffs, wasp nests and ongaonga. Supervise children closely and stay on the track.
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