Last updated July 2026
The Alice Nash Memorial Heritage Lodge Track is a short, family-friendly tramp in Ruahine Forest Park that leads to an eight-bunk historic hut with river views. The track follows a former logging road through beech forest in the scenic Oroua River valley, north-east of Palmerston North. It suits new trampers, families with children and day visitors, with the option to extend into an overnight stay or longer journeys. The lodge was rebuilt in 2007 after the original structure burned down in 2005 and is managed by the Manawatu branch of the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association.
Practical Information
| Location | Ruahine Forest Park, Oroua River valley, north-east of Palmerston North |
| Track time | 30 minutes one way to the lodge; 40 minutes to the river flats |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate; suitable for families and new trampers |
| Lodge | Alice Nash Memorial Heritage Lodge; standard 8-bunk hut |
| Fees | Track access free; hut fees $15 adult, $7.50 youth, or cash donation to NZ Deerstalkers Association |
| Access | Via Kimbolton, Āpiti Road, Oroua Valley Road, Table Flat Road and Petersons Road to car park |
About the Track and Lodge
The track begins at a car park on farmland and descends steadily through regenerating forest to the park boundary. It crosses a high arched wooden bridge over Umutoi Creek before continuing on a former logging road through beech forest to the lodge, which sits with a spectacular view up the Oroua River. Just before the hut, a side track leads to river flats suitable for camping and picnicking.
The lodge provides basic shelter with eight bunks. It replaced the original Heritage Lodge that burned down in March 2005. A donation from the family of the late Alice Nash, who lived in the Rangiwahia area and often explored the Oroua and Rangiwahia districts with her children, helped fund the rebuild completed in 2007. The Manawatu branch of the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association manages the hut.
From the lodge, trampers can continue 4 hours to Iron Gate Hut or undertake a steep 3–4 hour climb to the Tunupo high point. The Oroua River valley offers popular access for hunters, trampers and fishers, with tracks leading toward the Ngamoko and Whanahuia Ranges.
Access and Getting There
From Palmerston North, drive to Kimbolton and turn right onto Āpiti Road, which becomes Oroua Valley Road. Continue through Āpiti, take the second right onto Table Flat Road, then left onto Petersons Road to the car park at the end. The route is well signposted for the Ruahine Forest Park area.
Safety and Preparation
Although the track is graded and suitable for beginners, standard tramping precautions apply. Carry appropriate footwear, water, food, a map or navigation device, and weather protection. Check current track conditions and weather forecasts before departure, as river levels can rise after rain. Mobile coverage is limited in the valley. Tell someone your plans and expected return time.
What Visitors Often Say
Walkers describe the track as an easy and enjoyable introduction to the Ruahine Ranges, ideal for families and those new to tramping, with pleasant forest scenery and a rewarding destination at the lodge.
Visitors note the short walking time to the hut, the need to pay hut fees or make a donation, and the good views from the lodge and river flats. Some extend the trip onward to Iron Gate Hut.
Where to Learn More
DOC Alice Nash Memorial Heritage Lodge Track page: official track description, access directions and conditions.
DOC Alice Nash Memorial Heritage Lodge page: hut details, fees and booking information.
DOC Ruahine Forest Park page: overview of the wider park, tracks and visitor information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the walk to the lodge?
Allow 30 minutes one way from the car park to the lodge and 40 minutes to the river flats.
Is the track suitable for families?
Yes. DOC describes it as suitable for families with children and new trampers.
Who was Alice Nash?
Alice Nash lived in the Rangiwahia area and explored the Oroua and Rangiwahia districts with her children. Her family donated toward rebuilding the lodge in her memory.
Can I stay overnight at the lodge?
Yes. It is an 8-bunk standard hut. Fees are $15 per adult or a cash donation to the Manawatu Deerstalkers Association; youth and child rates apply.
What are the access directions?
Drive via Kimbolton to Āpiti Road/Oroua Valley Road, then Table Flat Road and Petersons Road to the car park.
Are there longer options from the lodge?
Yes. From the lodge it is 4 hours to Iron Gate Hut or a 3–4 hour steep climb to Tunupo.
Is the track free?
Track access is free. Hut use requires fees or a donation.
What should I take?
Wear sturdy footwear, carry water, food, navigation, weather protection and a first-aid kit. Check weather and track conditions before you go.
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