Last updated November 2026
The Mangahao Track, which DOC also calls the Mangahao Flats Track, follows the Mangahao River into the Tararua Forest Park from the Mangahao Upper No 1 Reservoir to Mangahao Flats Hut, a DOC hut. It is reached by a long, winding metal road from Shannon, about 37 km from Palmerston North.
DOC grades it an Advanced tramping track and times it at 6–7 hours over 11.4 km. The track has multiple unbridged river crossings, so DOC says it needs good river crossing skills and is best done in dry weather with low flows.
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 Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Mangahao Upper No 1 Reservoir (Top No 1 Reservoir dam), via the Mangahao power station road from Shannon
- Distance from the city
- About 37 km from Palmerston North
- Walking time
- 6–7 hr
- Track length
- 11.4 km
- Grade
- Advanced tramping track (DOC grade)
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.
- Huts
- Mangahao Flats Hut (DOC hut)
- 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 Track
This is a river tramp rather than a ridge climb. From the Top No 1 Reservoir dam the track skirts the side of the reservoir, then heads up the Mangahao River valley, which DOC describes as picturesque, all the way to Mangahao Flats Hut.
What sets it apart is the water. The track crosses the river and side streams many times without bridges, so the whole trip depends on river levels. DOC’s advice is that dry weather and low flows give the best conditions, and that you shouldn’t cross if the river or streams are flooded or you’re not confident about a crossing.
Underfoot it’s a typical Tararua backcountry track: rough and uneven, with scrambling over tree roots, steep sections, and mud that can make it very slippery. DOC warns it may take longer than expected, so give yourself plenty of daylight.
The track suits experienced trampers with sound river crossing skills who want a valley route to a hut. With 6–7 hours to the hut, most will plan it as an overnight trip.
Getting There
DOC’s directions start from State Highway 57 at Shannon. Follow the road signs towards the Mangaore Power Village for about 5 km, past the Mangahao Hydro Electric Power Station.
A very winding metal road then takes at least 30 minutes, passing the smaller Tokomaru No 3 reservoir and the Mangahao No 2 reservoir, before you reach the Top No 1 Reservoir dam at the start of the track. DOC asks visitors to watch for power station traffic on the road.
River Crossings and What to Carry
Learn how to cross rivers before you go, and be ready to turn back or wait if you can’t cross. DOC suggests checking NIWA river flow forecasts as part of your planning. Because flooding could hold you up, DOC recommends carrying an emergency shelter and spare food, along with a torch and spare batteries.
The Tararua Forest Park is known for wild, fast-changing weather, so pack warm and waterproof clothing even when the forecast looks good, and carry a distress beacon. Use Plan My Walk to check the forecast and gear list, and leave your intentions with a trusted contact.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Mangahao 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, Mangahao Flats Hut and other huts, and park-wide alerts.
Plan My Walk: a free planner for weather, alerts and gear lists before a backcountry trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Mangahao Track take?
DOC times the 11.4 km track at 6–7 hours from the reservoir to Mangahao Flats Hut.
How hard is it?
It’s an Advanced tramping track. Expect rough, muddy, slippery ground, steep sections and many unbridged river and stream crossings.
Do I need river crossing skills?
Yes. DOC says the track needs good river crossing skills and is best tramped in dry weather with low river flows.
Can I take my dog?
DOC’s rule is: dogs allowed, keep dog under control at all times.
Where does the track start?
At the Mangahao Upper No 1 Reservoir, reached from Shannon past the Mangahao power station and along a winding metal road.
Is there a hut?
Yes. The track ends at Mangahao Flats Hut, a DOC hut. Check the DOC website for hut details before you go.
When is the best time to go?
DOC says dry weather and low river flows are the best conditions for this track.
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.
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.