Last updated November 2026
The Mangahao Makahika Track is a 13 km one-way tramp through the Tararua Forest Park that links Burtton’s Track, between Palmerston North and Shannon, with the Arapaepae Lookout Trail near Levin. It is part of Te Araroa Trail and runs from a small parking area on Mangahao Road to the Poulton Drive car park off Gladstone Road.
DOC grades it an Advanced tramping track and times it at 6–7 hours going south or 7–8 hours going north. Along the way are big rimu, ridge-top views to Kāpiti Island and, on a clear day, the South Island, followed by the line of the old Makahika tramline.
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 Mangahao Makahika Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- North end: small parking area on Mangahao Road, 400 m past the Tararua Forest Park sign. South end: Poulton Drive car park off Gladstone Road, Levin
- Distance from the city
- About 32 km from Palmerston North
- Walking time
- 6–7 hr going south, 7–8 hr going north
- Track length
- 13 km one way
- Grade
- Advanced tramping track (DOC grade)
- Highest point
- 657 m, on Makahika Ridge
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Mangahao Makahika Track
Walked from north to south, the track leaves the Mangahao Road parking area, enters the bush and climbs to a low spur with an orientation sign. It then heads south for about 2.5 km past some large rimu before dropping to three unbridged tributaries of Blackwood Stream, roughly an hour from the road. DOC notes the stream takes its name from the black beech trees that grow there.
From Blackwood Stream the track gains height gradually, swings west past regenerating mānuka on old farmland, then turns south onto Makahika Ridge. The ridge holds the track’s high point at 657 m, and gaps in the bush to the west look out over Mangaore Stream and Kāpiti.
About 3–4 hours from the road end you reach Horowhenua Lookout, a small clearing with seating and a wide view over Shannon, the Horowhenua and the Manawatū.
The descent off the ridge drops about 350 m and passes Kāpiti Viewpoint, also known as Archey’s Lookout, with views to Kāpiti Island, the South Island, the Makahika Valley and Gladstone Road.
Around 5–6 hours from Mangahao Road you meet the end of the historic Makahika tramline, and the track follows its benched route and cuttings, which are still clear in many places.
The last stretch crosses the Makahika Stream several times, with clearings opening up in the bush as you near the park boundary and a former sawmill site across the river.
For the final half hour a poled route follows an unfenced right of way through private land to the Poulton Drive car park. It is a long day suited to fit trampers with backcountry experience, and a good taste of Te Araroa close to Palmerston North.
Getting to Each End
Mangahao Road (north end)
From Shannon, DOC’s directions follow Mangahao Road past Mangaore village and the Mangahao power station, then 6 km of narrow, winding road to a saddle and a 1 km descent to the Tokomaru Valley road junction, which leads to the start of Burtton’s Track.
Drive a further 2.4 km past the Arapeti (Tokomaru No 3) dam. The small parking area at the start of the track is 400 m past the Tararua Forest Park sign.
Poulton Drive (south end)
From Levin, take Gladstone Road from the end of Queen Street East for 8 km, past the water treatment works, Gladstone Road Reserve and the Poads Road turn-off. Continue past the Makahika Outdoor Centre and the eastern entrance to the Arapaepae Lookout Trail; DOC puts the Poulton Drive junction and car park a further 1.9 km along Gladstone Road.
Because the two ends are far apart by road, plan transport at the finish before you set off.
Track Conditions and Preparation
DOC describes this as a typical backcountry track: rough and uneven, muddy in places, with plenty of scrambling over tree roots. Tararua weather can change fast and cold, wet days are common in any season, so carry a raincoat and warm layers.
Given the length of the day, DOC recommends an early start and a torch with spare batteries in case you finish near dark.
The Blackwood Stream tributaries and the Makahika Stream are unbridged, and DOC warns they can rise quickly during and after rain. If a stream is flooded, or you are unsure about a crossing, turn back or wait for it to drop.
Use Plan My Walk to check the forecast and pack list, leave your intentions with someone you trust and carry a distress beacon.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Mangahao Makahika 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 other tracks and huts, and park-wide alerts.
Plan My Walk: a free planner for weather, alerts and gear lists before a backcountry day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Mangahao Makahika Track take?
DOC times it at 6–7 hours going south (Mangahao Road to Poulton Drive) and 7–8 hours going north. The track is 13 km one way.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it an Advanced tramping track. Expect a rough, muddy backcountry track, a climb onto Makahika Ridge, a 350 m descent and unbridged stream crossings.
Is the track part of Te Araroa?
Yes. DOC notes it is part of Te Araroa Trail, linking Burtton’s Track with the Arapaepae Lookout Trail near Levin.
Can I take my dog?
DOC’s rule for this track is dogs on a leash only.
Where are the best views?
Openings along Makahika Ridge look west over Mangaore Stream and Kāpiti, Horowhenua Lookout looks over Shannon and the Manawatū, and Kāpiti Viewpoint (Archey’s Lookout) takes in Kāpiti Island and, on a good day, the South Island.
Are there huts on the track?
DOC’s track page doesn’t list a hut on this route, so plan it as a day walk.
Is the track open?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alert for the track. Check the DOC page for current alerts before you go.
What about the stream crossings?
The Blackwood Stream tributaries and Makahika Stream are unbridged and can rise quickly after rain. If in doubt, stay out and wait for the water to drop.
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.