The Tawa Loop Track is the easiest and most-recommended walk in the Te Apiti / Manawatu Gorge scenic reserve network, starting from the western (Ashhurst) trailhead. The 1 hour return loop follows a well-formed bush track through regenerating native forest, with viewing platforms over the gorge floor.
For first-time visitors to the Manawatu Gorge tracks, the Tawa Loop is the standard starting point. The walk is suitable for general fitness levels and gives a comfortable bush experience without the climbs and distance of the longer ridge or full-traverse tracks.
Practical Information
| Location | Western Manawatu Gorge scenic reserve trailhead, near Ashhurst |
| Distance from PN | About 20 km east via Ashhurst, 25-30 min drive |
| Length | 1 hour return loop |
| Difficulty | Easy; well-formed bush track |
| Best for | First-time visitors, families with older children, easy bush walk introduction |
| Cost | Free |
About the Walk
The Tawa Loop Track is named after the tawa (Beilschmiedia tawa), a native NZ tree that features prominently in the lowland regenerating forest of the gorge area. The track loops through bush with tawa, rata, rimu and other native species, with several viewing platforms over the gorge floor where the Manawatu River runs through.
The track is well-formed and signposted, suitable for walkers of general fitness. Sturdy footwear is sensible (the bush track can be muddy after rain); allow 1 hour at relaxed pace including stops at the viewing platforms.
The western trailhead has parking, toilets and information signage, including a carved pou whenua (Maori cultural marker) acknowledging Rangitane and other iwi cultural significance to the gorge.
Combining With Wider Gorge
The Tawa Loop is the easy introduction; experienced walkers can extend to the longer Tararua Tramping Club track (3-5 hours return, climbs to the ridge with wind farm views) or the full gorge traverse (4-6 hours one way, arrange transport at each end).
Combine the Tawa Loop with the wider Te Apiti area as a half-day trip: walk plus a stop at the Ashhurst Domain for a coffee or picnic on the way back to PN.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors consistently rate the Tawa Loop as the best introduction walk to the Manawatu Gorge area. The combination of easy track conditions, native bush setting, viewing platforms and cultural pou whenua draws repeated positive mentions. Most first-time gorge visitors start with this walk and extend to longer options on return visits.
Practical observations: sturdy footwear sensible (muddy after rain); toilets at the trailhead; combine with the Ashhurst Domain or Te Apiti area for a fuller half-day; check DOC for current track status.
Where to Learn More
DOC: Manawatu Gorge Scenic Reserve: official DOC information on the Tawa Loop and wider gorge tracks.
PNCC parks pages: covers wider PN walking destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Tawa Loop Track?
At the western Manawatu Gorge scenic reserve trailhead near Ashhurst, about 25-30 minutes drive east of Palmerston North.
How long is the walk?
About 1 hour return at relaxed pace including viewing platform stops.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes. The track is well-formed and signposted; general fitness is sufficient.
Are there toilets?
Yes, at the trailhead. None along the track.
Can I extend the walk?
Yes, the wider Manawatu Gorge track network includes the Tararua Tramping Club track (3-5 hours) and the full traverse (4-6 hours one way).
Is it free?
Yes, free public access.
What can I see?
Native bush including tawa, rata and rimu; viewing platforms over the gorge floor; the cultural pou whenua at the trailhead.
For more walks, see walking tracks in Palmerston North. Pair with Te Apiti – Manawatu Gorge (full reserve page) for fuller context.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.