Last updated November 2026
Burtton’s Track is a 17 km one-way tramp through the edge of Tararua Forest Park between Palmerston North and Shannon, running from Scotts Road to Mangahao Road. It is part of Te Araroa Trail and is shared with mountain bikers.
DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track and allows 6 hours going south or 7 hours going north, because the northbound trip ends with a climb up from the Tokomaru River.
With unbridged stream crossings, no cell phone coverage and a need for navigation skills, it’s a walk for experienced trampers. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alerts for the track, but check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Burtton's Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- North: Scotts Road, at the entrance to Gordon Kear Forest (car park on Scotts Road). South: car park off Mangahao Road
- Distance from the city
- About 23 km from Palmerston North
- Walking time
- 6 hr going south, 7 hr going north (one way)
- Track length
- 17 km one way
- Grade
- Advanced (DOC: advanced tramping track)
- Mountain biking
- Advanced riders, Grade 5, 4–6 hr (DOC)
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only
- Transport
- One-way track: arrange transport between the two ends
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Burtton’s Track
The southern section of this walk follows a historic trail built by Jim Burtton almost a century ago, up the Tokomaru River.
Today it links forestry roads, a DOC-managed section through Tararua Forest Park and the old Tokomaru Valley Road into one long day on Te Araroa, with a cairn near the southern end commemorating the trail’s opening by the Prime Minister in February 2006.
Starting from Scotts Road, the first part follows a metalled forestry road alongside the Kahuterawa Stream, past the remains of old farm buildings and yards.
After about an hour the track climbs steadily and the plantation forest slowly gives way to regenerating native bush. Along the forest park boundary there are views west to Kaihinau, the Tokomaru Gorge and the Manawatū Plain.
Once over the stile into Tararua Forest Park, the DOC track drops from 500 metres above sea level to No 1 Stream at 200 metres, then follows the eastern side of the Tokomaru River.
The former Burtton’s Whare site, roughly halfway when walking south, makes a natural lunch stop. The final hour is 3.2 km along the former Tokomaru Valley Road, which is closed to unauthorised traffic but sometimes used by registered 4WD vehicles.
DOC says walking south from Scotts Road is easiest, as the steepest gradient is then downhill. The track is rough and uneven, with mud in places and tree roots to scramble over, so it suits fit trampers with backcountry experience rather than casual walkers.
The Route from Scotts Road to Mangahao Road
DOC’s times for the walk from north to south are:
- DOC boundary: 1 hr 30 min
- Tokomaru River: 3 hr
- Burtton’s Whare site: 3 hr 30 min
- Mangahao Road car park: 6 hr
About 40 minutes from the start, the forest roads fork at an open clearing; the trail is marked along the right-hand road. A second locked gate comes about an hour in. Inside the park, the track is marked with DOC orange triangles.
The track used to cross the Tokomaru River twice, and older maps may still show this. DOC asks walkers to avoid crossing the river and use the newly re-routed track on the eastern side instead.
The DOC track ends at a car park just off Mangahao Road, 7.7 km from the Mangahao Power Station. From there you can be picked up, walk down Mangahao Road towards Shannon, or carry on up the road towards the dams and the Mangahao-Makahika Track.
Mountain Biking Burtton’s Track
DOC rates the track as suitable for advanced riders (Grade 5, 4–6 hours). It’s best ridden north to south in dry conditions and isn’t recommended when wet. Expect river crossings and some pushing or carrying until you reach the forestry sections on Tokomaru Valley Road, then gravel road to Mangahao Road.
DOC notes that the final descent to Mangahao Power Station and village is around 5 km and has cars to watch for. Riders must give way to walkers.
Getting There and Parking
From Palmerston North, Scotts Road leads off Tennant Drive (SH57), 15 km south after crossing the Manawatū River. Park in the car park on Scotts Road: DOC warns that vehicles left on the forest road by the locked gate risk being towed or damaged, and logging trucks can be on Scotts Road at any time, on weekdays and weekends.
Track Conditions and Safety
No 1 Stream is usually low and easy to cross, but unbridged streams can rise fast during and after rain. If a stream is flooded or you’re unsure, turn back or wait for the water to drop. Tararua weather changes quickly and cold, wet conditions are common at any time of year, so carry a waterproof raincoat and warm layers.
There is no cell phone coverage, so take extra clothing, food and first aid gear, a map and compass or GPS, and a distress beacon. Fires are not permitted, and firearms are not allowed on private land. Use Plan My Walk to check conditions, and tell someone your plans before you set out.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Burtton’s 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: Tararua Forest Park: the wider park, its huts and tracks, and current alerts.
Plan My Walk: plan your trip, check track alerts and weather, and share your plans with someone you trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Burtton’s Track take?
DOC allows 6 hours walking south from Scotts Road and 7 hours walking north, for the 17 km one-way trip.
Which direction should I walk?
DOC says walking south from Scotts Road is easiest, because the steepest section is then downhill.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track. It’s rough and muddy in places, has unbridged stream crossings and needs navigation skills.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on a leash only.
Can I mountain bike it?
Yes, if you’re an advanced rider. DOC rates it Grade 5 and recommends riding north to south in dry conditions.
Where do I park?
At the north end, use the car park on Scotts Road, not the forest road by the locked gate. The south end finishes at a car park just off Mangahao Road.
Is there cell phone coverage?
No. Take a distress beacon and tell someone your plans before you go.
Is Burtton’s Track part of Te Araroa?
Yes. DOC notes the track is part of Te Araroa Trail.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.