The Manawatu Gorge Scenic Reserve, known by its Maori name Te Apiti, is a Department of Conservation reserve straddling the Manawatu Gorge between Ashhurst (east of Palmerston North) and Woodville. The reserve covers steep greywacke ranges covered in native tawa and podocarp forest and is one of the most-walked DOC tracks in the Manawatu / Whanganui region.
The reserve’s main track network includes the 10 km one-way Manawatu Gorge Track, the 4 km Tawa Loop Track (from the Ashhurst end), and the Ballance Loop Track (from the Woodville end). The reserve also forms part of an ongoing pest control programme (which includes the use of toxins); dogs are not allowed. The gorge’s vehicular road (the former State Highway 3) has been permanently closed since 2017 due to rockfall and landslip risk.
Practical Information
| Location | Manawatu Gorge, between Ashhurst (Manawatu) and Woodville (Tararua), east of Palmerston North |
| Distance from Palmerston North | Around 12 km east to the Ashhurst trailhead |
| Managed by | Department of Conservation |
| Maori name | Te Apiti |
| Main track | Manawatu Gorge Track, around 10 km one-way (DOC time 3.5 to 5.5 hours) |
| Short loops | Tawa Loop Track (around 4 km from Ashhurst); Ballance Loop Track (Woodville end) |
| Vegetation | Steep greywacke ranges, native tawa and podocarp forest |
| Dogs | Not allowed (pest control with toxins is in use) |
| Road | Gorge road (former SH3) permanently closed since 2017; use Saddle Road or Te Ahu a Turanga highway to cross |
About the Reserve and Te Apiti
The Manawatu Gorge Scenic Reserve, Te Apiti in te reo Maori, covers the steep greywacke ranges on either side of the Manawatu River where it cuts through the Ruahine and Tararua range divide. The reserve is administered by the Department of Conservation and protects a substantial area of native tawa and podocarp forest, with smaller stands of other broadleaf species, providing habitat for native birds.
The gorge has long been an important crossing point between the western Manawatu and the eastern Tararua / Hawke’s Bay districts. The road through the gorge (the former State Highway 3) has been permanently closed since 2017 because of repeated rockfall and landslip damage, and is now replaced by the new Te Ahu a Turanga highway over the saddle to the north (and the older Saddle Road as an alternative).
The reserve is part of an ongoing pest control programme run by DOC; this programme includes the use of toxins for predator control, and dogs are not allowed in the reserve as a result.
Manawatu Gorge Track (Main Track)
The Manawatu Gorge Track is the headline walk: around 10 km one-way through the reserve, with DOC time given as 3.5 to 5.5 hours. The track climbs through tawa and podocarp forest, with lookouts opening to views over the gorge and the river below. It is not a loop, so you need to arrange transport at both ends (Ashhurst to the west, Woodville to the east).
The track follows undulating forest, with steeper sections in places. It is rated as a moderately challenging walk by trail platforms but is well-maintained and popular with day walkers and trail runners. Allow time to reach the main lookout from either end.
Tawa Loop, Ballance Loop and Shorter Options
Two shorter loop options give a taste of the gorge without the full 10 km commitment.
The Tawa Loop Track starts from the Ashhurst end (parking at the Manawatu Gorge Road end / Western Gateway Park) and returns to the same carpark. It is around 4 km, less than half of the distance and time of the main track, and gives a good representative sample of the tawa-rich forest.
The Ballance Loop Track is the equivalent short option from the Woodville end of the main track. Both loops avoid the need for shuttle transport.
Practical Tips, Pest Control and Closures
Dogs are not allowed in the reserve because of the pest control programme. Bring sturdy walking shoes; the track is well-formed but the underlying forest floor stays wet for long periods, so expect mud after rain.
Cellphone coverage in the gorge is patchy; tell someone your route and expected return time. Check DOC for any current closures or track diversions before heading out, particularly after high-rainfall events. The reserve is open year-round.
What Visitors Often Say
The Manawatu Gorge Track is consistently described as the best mid-distance day walk close to Palmerston North. The main track gets praise for the lookouts over the river and gorge, the mature tawa and podocarp forest, and the well-maintained surface that suits both walkers and trail runners. The shorter Tawa Loop is widely recommended for visitors with less time or for families with older kids.
Practical observations: the main track is one-way so arrange transport at both ends; the Tawa Loop is the easy option from Ashhurst; no dogs (toxin pest control); expect mud after rain; combine with a stop at Tui HQ at Mangatainoka or the wind farm lookouts on the new Te Ahu a Turanga highway crossing for a wider day out.
Where to Learn More
DOC: Manawatu Gorge Scenic Reserve: official Department of Conservation reserve page covering tracks, status and pest control programme.
DOC: Manawatu Gorge Track: full official track page with distance, time and access detail.
Te Apiti – Manawatu Gorge: dedicated Te Apiti site covering the wider reserve, lookouts, cultural information and current notices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Manawatu Gorge Scenic Reserve?
On the Manawatu Gorge between Ashhurst (around 12 km east of Palmerston North) and Woodville. The Ashhurst trailhead is the closest access from the city.
What is the Maori name for the reserve?
Te Apiti.
How long is the Manawatu Gorge Track?
Around 10 km one-way. DOC time is 3.5 to 5.5 hours.
Is there a shorter option?
Yes. The Tawa Loop Track is around 4 km from the Ashhurst end. The Ballance Loop Track is the equivalent short option from the Woodville end.
Can I take my dog?
No. Dogs are not allowed in the reserve because of the pest control programme (which includes the use of toxins).
Why was the gorge road closed?
The former State Highway 3 through the gorge has been permanently closed since 2017 due to rockfall and landslip risks. Crossings now use the new Te Ahu a Turanga highway or the older Saddle Road.
What grows in the reserve?
Mainly tawa and podocarp native forest on steep greywacke ranges, with smaller stands of other native broadleaf species.
For more walking tracks and reserves, see the Palmerston North walking tracks hub or the parks and reserves hub.