Last updated November 2026
The Wharite Peak Track crosses the windswept leatherwood tops at the southern tip of the Ruahine Range in Ruahine Forest Park, about 25 km from Palmerston North. DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track, times it at 3–4 hours and recommends it for experienced trampers.
You can start near Wharite Peak, at the end of a rough gravel road off Whariti Road near Woodville, or from the northern end where it meets the Coppermine tracks off Coppermine Road.
On a clear day DOC says the views reach as far as Kapiti Island, Mt Bruce and the Tongariro mountains. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alerts for the track, but slips are common in this area, so check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for the Ruahine Forest Park area: “Coppermine Track, from the carpark to the first junction, is closed due to a large slip.” That affects the northern approach from Coppermine Road.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Wharite Peak Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- DOC car park near Wharite Peak (off Whariti Road, Woodville), or Coppermine Road, Papatawa, via the Coppermine tracks
- Distance from the city
- About 25 km from Palmerston North
- Walking time
- 3–4 hr
- Track length
- About 3.8 km
- Grade
- Advanced (DOC: advanced tramping track)
- Dogs
- Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only
- Parking
- Room for two cars at the Wharite Peak road end; 4WD recommended on the access road
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (Coppermine Track closed from the car park to the first junction, affecting the northern access). 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 Wharite Peak Track
This is a short but demanding track over the very southern end of the Ruahine Range. DOC describes it as boggy, and about 20 minutes from the car park the track climbs steeply onto the windswept leatherwood tops before running along them to Wharite Road.
The reward for the effort is the outlook. On a clear day DOC says you can see as far as Kapiti Island, across the wind farm to Mt Bruce, and to the Tongariro mountains. Up on the tops you’re exposed to whatever the weather is doing, so pick a clear, settled day if the views are what you’re after.
Because it can be walked from either end, the track works as an out-and-back from the Wharite Peak road end or as an extension of a walk on the Coppermine Track or Coppermine Loop Track. DOC recommends it for experienced trampers.
Getting There
From near Wharite Peak
Follow Whariti Road from Woodville, then take the road that turns right off Whariti Road and heads up towards the peak. DOC says there is a car park and signage at the road end, with room for two cars, and the track starts there. The access road is rough gravel and DOC recommends a 4WD.
From the Coppermine tracks
The northern end of the Wharite Peak Track meets the Coppermine Track and Coppermine Loop Track. Both start from the end of Coppermine Road, Papatawa, which is the nearest parking for this end.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s alert said the Coppermine Track was closed from the car park to the first junction because of a large slip, so check DOC for the Coppermine tracks’ current status before using this end.
Track Conditions and Safety
Expect bog, a steep climb and open, windswept tops. DOC notes that slips are common in this unstable, erosion-prone area and sometimes close tracks, so check the DOC page for alerts before you leave. Use Plan My Walk to check the weather and conditions, and tell someone your plans before you set out.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Wharite Peak 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: 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 does the Wharite Peak Track take?
DOC times it at 3–4 hours.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track and recommends it for experienced trampers. It’s boggy, with a steep climb onto exposed tops.
Where does the track start?
Either from the DOC car park near Wharite Peak, reached off Whariti Road near Woodville, or from the northern end via the Coppermine tracks at Coppermine Road, Papatawa.
Do I need a 4WD?
DOC recommends a 4WD for the rough gravel road up to the Wharite Peak car park, which has room for two cars.
Are dogs allowed?
Only dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes.
What can I see from the top?
On a clear day, DOC says the views reach Kapiti Island, Mt Bruce over the wind farm, and the Tongariro mountains.
Is the track open?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alert for the track, but slips sometimes close tracks in this area. Check DOC 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.