Last updated November 2026
The No.1 Line tracks are two short tramping tracks in the southern part of Ruahine Forest Park above the Pohangina Valley, about 29 km from Palmerston North.
The main No.1 Line Track climbs a forested ridge from the car park at the end of No.1 Line Road to a lookout, and DOC times the 4.3 km return trip at 2–3 hours. The shorter Trig Loop Track takes about 30 minutes and leads to a trig at the park boundary with views across farmland.
DOC grades them as advanced tramping tracks, and the access is across private land thanks to the landowners’ generosity. DOC notes that stock occasionally graze in the car park area and can damage vehicles, so park with care.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alerts for these tracks, 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 No.1 Line tracks on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Car park at the end of No.1 Line Road, off Pohangina Valley East Road
- Distance from the city
- About 29 km from Palmerston North
- Walking time
- No.1 Line Track: 2–3 hr return. Trig Loop Track: 30 min
- Track length
- No.1 Line Track: 4.3 km return. Trig Loop Track: 815 m
- Grade
- Advanced (DOC: advanced tramping track)
- Dogs
- Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only
- Access
- Across private land (Westview Farming Partnership, Songbird Gardens)
- 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 No.1 Line Tracks
The No.1 Line Track heads into the forest straight from the car park and climbs the ridge in a series of steepish pitches, broken by a few level stretches where you can get your breath back. Not far from the start is a huge rimu, and a little further on a large rātā.
As you gain height, views open out to the west more and more often. Just before the main track ends there is a lookout with views up to the main Ruahine Range and back out towards the coast, which DOC describes as wonderful and which makes a good turnaround point.
For a shorter outing, the Trig Loop Track follows the main track past the giant rimu to the large rātā, then splits off and winds up the slope behind it to a trig at the park boundary. From there you get a view across farmland before crossing into private land and following the track back to the car park.
The forest here tells a story. DOC explains that possums, introduced as early as the 1890s, combined with high winds, heavy rain and slips to cause a major collapse of the rātā and kāmahi forest by the 1950s.
Today the forest has more horopito, rangiora, bush lawyer and toetoe, all plants possums don’t favour, and recreational hunting is one of the main forms of animal control in the area.
Getting There and Private Land Access
From Ashhurst, head towards Pohangina and turn right onto Pohangina Valley East Road. Follow it past Awahou School, then turn right onto No.1 Line Road and continue along the gravel road to the car park at the end.
No.1 Line Road stops short of the park boundary, so you need to cross private property. DOC says the access way, car park area and part of the Trig Loop Track are open to the public thanks to Westview Farming Partnership, which owns Songbird Gardens next to the forest park.
Very occasionally stock may be grazing in the car park area and can damage vehicles, so keep that in mind when you park.
Before You Go
Both tracks are graded advanced, and the main track is a steady series of climbs. Check the DOC page for alerts, use Plan My Walk to check conditions, and tell someone your plans before you set off. Dogs are only allowed with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: No.1 Line tracks: 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: Ruahine Forest Park: the wider park, its tracks and huts, 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 do the No.1 Line tracks take?
DOC times the No.1 Line Track at 2–3 hours return (4.3 km). The Trig Loop Track takes about 30 minutes (815 m).
How hard are they?
DOC grades both as advanced tramping tracks. The main track is a series of steepish climbs with a few level sections.
What are the views like?
There are frequent views to the west as you climb, and a lookout near the end of the main track looks up to the main range and back towards the coast. The trig on the loop track looks out over farmland.
Where do I park?
At the car park at the end of No.1 Line Road. Stock may occasionally graze there and can damage vehicles.
Do I cross private land?
Yes. The access way, car park area and part of the Trig Loop Track are on private land, available thanks to Westview Farming Partnership.
Are dogs allowed?
Only dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes.
What trees will I see?
A huge rimu and a large rātā near the start, and forest with plenty of horopito, rangiora, bush lawyer and toetoe.
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.