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Trail Notes

Manawatū Trail Notes

Last Edited: August 20, 2024 06:53:16 NZST

Intro

Te Araroa section: This journey takes walkers along country roads between the local farming settlements of Bulls and Feilding. At around the halfway point, you will reach Mt Lees Reserve, which offers free overnight camping , and a 2.5km bushwalk around the reserve which has some  impressive specimen trees.

Description

Haere mai ki te Manawatū.

This section of the trail, from Bulls to Levin, is 110.5km long and will take 4-5 days to complete. For through-hikers, you will pass the halfway mark and spend some time in the halfway city Palmerston North (Papaioea) for resupply. Other settlements where you will have opportunities to mix with the locals include Feilding, Bunnythorpe and finally Levin, a 10km side trip off the trail if you need to resupply for the remote Tararua Ranges.

The Manawatū section of the trail is well-marked throughout. Whilst it starts for southbound walkers with 24km of walking on quiet country roads, as your journey proceeds, you will increasingly be experiencing long stretches of bushwalking in the lower Tararua Ranges, finishing with two days (40km) of backcountry tramping trails.

Bulls to Mt Biggs School – 12.5km / 3 – 3.5 hour

  • Leaving Bulls, heading south, follow the footpath beside State Highway 1 on the west side of the highway, crossing the bridge over the Rangitikei River.
  • At the junction of Tangimoana Road, carefully cross State Highway 1 to Wightmans Road.
  • From here, the route is well-marked on posts with Te Araroa logos and chevrons.
  • Looking south on Wightmans Road gives a good view of the Tararua Range where you are heading after Palmerston North. Wind turbines can be seen north and south of the Manawatū Gorge. On your left are views of the Rangitikei River.
  • Passing Ohakea Defence Base outbuildings, continue along Wightmans Rd until you reach the intersection with Hurst Rd.
  • Turn right into Hurst Rd, then left onto Wilsons Rd after 1.5km.
  • Follow Wilsons Rd, using the off-road path where available, for about 2km, then turn right into Ngaio Rd near the Ohakea Radar Station.
  • After 2km you will arrive at Mt Lees Reserve on your right, where overnight camping is available. Toilets, water and kitchenette, outdoor seating.
  • The 2.5km bushwalk around the reserve is a good side trip with some impressive specimen trees.
  • From Mt Lees Reserve, follow the off-road path alongside Ngaio Rd, continue right onto Mt Stewart - Halcombe Road as far as Mt Biggs School
  • Turn left into Sandon Road at My Biggs School

Mt Biggs School to Feilding - 8.5km / 2-3 hours

  • Continue east along Sandon Rd for 5.5km to Ranfurly Rd. Warning: Sandon Rd is a busy road with little shoulder. Take care.
    • An alternative (slightly longer) route to the main trail is from the Lees Rd/Sandon Rd intersection. Follow Lees Rd to the Awahuri Rd intersection, turn right then after 1km, turn left into Kawakawa Rd. Enter Kitchener Park on your left, follow the boardwalk and walkway beside the Makino Stream and alongside Manfeild Racetrack, crossing Rimu St to the Kowhai Park exit to meet the trail on South St. This alternative is not marked with Te Araroa signage.
  • Turn right off Sandon Rd into Ranfurly Rd, Feilding. The urban footpath network begins here.
  • After 2km, turn right into West St then second left into South St.
  • Continue along South St for 1.5km to Aorangi St /Waughs Rd (at the end of South St). There is a public toilet at Kowhai Park on the right of South St.
    • At the roundabout on South St, a left turn into Kimbolton Rd takes you to Feilding town centre for cafes and services.
    • From further along South St, a left turn into Manchester St takes you to the Feilding Sale Yards — renowned as the largest sale yards for selling sheep in the southern hemisphere; they are worthy of a visit on a Friday (being “sale day”, when the country comes to town).
    • On the right side of South St is the Coach House Museum, with lots of interesting machinery and objects from bygone days. Worth a visit as it has toilet facilities and a place to sit down. Open from 10am till 4pm.

Conditions

Potential hazards:

  • Vehicles on road or track Take extreme care and walk as far off road as possible
  • Track exposed to sun, wind or cold
  • Few water sources

Access

Northern Start: Junction of High Street and SH3, Bulls
Southern End: South Street, Feilding

Transport

Feilding

Buses leave from Feilding Railway Station, Aorangi St.

Accommodation

Feilding

  • Mt Lees Reserve - 199 Ngaio Road, RD 9, Feilding - The trail passes Mt Lees Reserve. Basic sheltered campsite with drinking water and toilets. (On the trail, 11km north of Feilding)
  • Feilding Trail Angels Abby, Tim and daughter Eleanor offer space on their front lawn for tents and/or a comfortable bed in their sleepout, showers and laundry etc. Stay 1 night or several if you need to recharge. Can potentially pick up/drop off between Whanganui and Palmerston North. Koha welcomed in the form of conversation over a shared meal (usually based on produce from their garden) or a bit of help around the house/garden. Please arrange in advance if possible. abbykerrin@gmail.com or 021 774 864
  • Local accommodation businesses

Food and Supply

Feilding 

  • New World Supermarket - 42 Aorangi Street St, Feilding
  • Countdown Supermarket - 147 Kimbolton Road, Feilding
  • Bin Inn Feilding 85 Kimbolton Rd, Feilding

Extra Info

Feilding

For information on Feilding Feilding Visitor Information Centre

Before starting Te Araroa either as a through-walker of the whole country or a section walker, please register on Te Araroa website. Please also visit the website or download the app for detailed maps, trail alerts and other relevant information.  

This track is part of the Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa track database. Herenga ā Nuku has maps and advice about public access to the outdoors.

We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz.

We recommend trying these online learning tools:

Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel.

Last Edited: August 19, 2024 15:54:38 NZST

Intro

Te Araroa section: Make your way along shared paths, across rolling farmland and along quiet rural roads to the thru-hike halfway city of Palmerston North. At Palmerston North walkers are rewarded with art galleries, museums, cafes, restaurants and urban street art. Palmerston North is bordered by the Tararua and Ruahine mountain ranges and defined by Te Apiti – the Manawatū Gorge.

Description

Feilding to Bunnythorpe — 9km / 2-2.5 hours

  • Continue along South St for 1.5km to Aorangi St /Waughs Rd (at the end of South St).
  • Cross the road ahead and turn right onto Waughs Rd.
  • Follow the shared footpath/cycleway for 1km. Cross the Oroua River bridge.
  • Turn left at the next intersection. Cross the railway line then turn right (south) onto the Campbell Road footpath/cycleway.
  • Follow Campbell Rd path for 4.5km with the railway line to your right. You will pass Taonui Aerodrome on your left.
  • Where the main road crosses the railway line, hikers must also cross over and turn left onto the quieter Waughs Rd.
  • Follow Waughs Rd south for 1km to its end, with the railway line to your left.
  • Climb two stiles and continue along a track outside the fence line. Go through the small gate and keep to the right down to the Mangaone Stream crossing. Take care crossing in wet weather.
  • Continue left up the other side. After about 150 metres cross the small Jacks Creek and continue along the track until you reach Kairanga/Bunnythorpe Road.
  • Do not go straight ahead (it is a very busy highway between Bunnythorpe and Palmerston North), but turn left, cross the railway line and then turn right into the village of Bunnythorpe which has toilets and a dairy.

Bunnythorpe to Napier Rd, Palmerston North – 7.5km / 1.5 - 2 hours

The footpath through Bunnythorpe passes the old Glaxo factory. GlaxoSmithKline, one of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies in the world, had its genesis here in Bunnythorpe in 1904.

  • South of the village, turn right into Stoney Creek Road.
  • After 150m, cross the stile on your right and follow the marked trail south, across paddocks, to the Clevely Line/Sangsters Rd intersection.
  • Head south along Sangsters Rd, with the railway line to your right. At the end of the road, climb over the stile and follow the marked trail across farmland and along farm driveways until reaching the Roberts Line/Railway Rd intersection.
  • Cross the railway line at Roberts Line, turn left onto Railway Rd and follow the shared path towards Palmerston North.
  • Keep left at the roundabout, cross the bridge over the railway line and continue straight ahead through the traffic lights onto Vogel St.
    • There is a toilet available for public use in the branch library, 25m down Kipling St, at the start of the small Roslyn shopping centre.
  • Continue along Vogel Street, on the left, for 1.5km.
  • Take the sealed path down into the old cemetery. When inside the cemetery, turn left and follow one of the paths to the main gate. Exit onto Napier Rd.
  • Cross Napier Road.
  • For a short route into Te Marae o Hine (The Square) in the city centre, you can take a 104 or 114 bus at 100 Napier Rd opposite the cemetery.
  • To continue on the trail, turn left (east)

Napier Road to Fitzherbert Ave Bridge – 7.5km / 1.5 hours

  • After crossing the road from the cemetery exit, turn left (east) on Napier Rd and follow the footpath 500m to the start of the shared walkway beside the Gas Works Drain.
  • Follow the shared path for 1.5km, from the Napier Road entrance down to the Manawatū River where it connects with the main Manawatū River shared path along the edge of the city.
  • Turn right and follow the river path downstream for 5.5km until you reach the Fitzherbert Ave road bridge which crosses the Manawatū River.
  • At the Fitzherbert Ave bridge, you can leave the trail and take a 2km diversion north into the city centre.

Conditions

Potential Hazards:

  • Vehicles on road or track. Stay as far off the road as possible
  • Track exposed to sun, wind or cold
  • Few water sources

Access

Northern Start: South Street, Feilding

Southern End: Fitzherbert Avenue Bridge, Palmerston North

Transport

  • Air New Zealand - Palmerston North Airport - Airport Drive, Milson P: 0800 737 000 
  • InterCity Buses arrive/leave from The Square

Rail

Trains Depart from Train Station - Off Tremaine Avenue, Palmerston North

Local transport

Accommodation

  • Te Araroa homestay and camping for registered TA hikers. just 50m off the trail near the Fitzherbert Bridge over the Manawatū River. Beds available or camping if preferred. Hot shower, use of kitchen, laundry, linen provided, bikes available. Payment by koha/contribution. Hosted by Paula and Brian, Te Araroa Manawatū Trustees P: 027 690 0260 or 027 222 3742 E: degoldiway@gmail.com
  • Whiowhio Hut - Palmerston North (close to the Manawatū River Shared Path). Please phone or text before arrival. P: 027 470 9829 - E: whiowhiohut@swampthing.co.nz Urban tramping hut. Kitchen, shower, laundry, bikes and even electricity. Payment by koha (donation). Hosted by Te Araroa walkers, Te Araroa Manawatū Trustees, and Whio (native blue duck) enthusiasts Anthony and Fiona (a.k.a. Whin and Whiona).
  • Feilding Trail Angels Abby, Tim and daughter Eleanor offer space on their front lawn for tents and/or a comfortable bed in their sleepout, showers and laundry etc. Stay 1 night or several if you need to recharge. Can potentially pick up/drop off between Whanganui and Palmerston North. Koha welcomed in the form of conversation over a shared meal (usually based on produce from their garden) or a bit of help around the house/garden. Please arrange in advance if possible. abbykerrin@gmail.com or 021 774 864
  • Palmerston North Holiday Park. 133 Dittmer Drive (off Ruha St) Palmerston North. P: 06 358 0349 E: palmerstonnorthholidaypark@xtra.co.nz  https://palmerstonnorthholidaypark.co.nz/
  • Local accommodation businesses

Food and Supply

  • Pak N' Save - 327 Ferguson St, Palmerston North
  • Countdown - Cnr Ferguson and Ashley St, in the Plaza
  • New World Melody’s Supermarket - 299 Broadway Ave
  • Bin Inn – 688 Main St
  • 4 Four Square - 354 Albert St, Hokowhitu
  • New World Aokautere, 198 Ruapehu Drive

Resupply options for the Tararua Ranges are in the next section of the trail notes.

Extra Info

Before starting Te Araroa either as a through-walker of the whole country or a section walker, please register on Te Araroa website. Please also visit the website or download the app for detailed maps, trail alerts and other relevant information.  

This track is part of the Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa track database. Herenga ā Nuku has maps and advice about public access to the outdoors.

We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz.

We recommend trying these online learning tools:

Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel.

Last Edited: August 20, 2024 06:55:58 NZST

Intro

Te Araroa trail section: Heritage collections, art galleries and urban street art go hand in hand with the colourful array of cafes and dining options that will take your taste buds on a tour of the world. The city is bordered by the Tararua and Ruahine mountain ranges, spectacularly divided by the Te Apiti – Manawatū Gorge, making a unique landscape that offers mountains to sea, city to countryside, all in the same day.

Description

Napier Road to Fitzherbert Ave Bridge – 7.5km / 1.5 hours

  • After crossing the road from the cemetery exit, turn left (east) on Napier Rd and follow the footpath 500m to the start of the shared walkway beside the Gas Works Drain.
  • Follow the shared path for 1.5km, from the Napier Road entrance down to the Manawatū River where it connects with the main Manawatū River shared path along the edge of the city.
  • Turn right and follow the river path downstream for 5.5km until you reach the Fitzherbert Ave road bridge which crosses the Manawatū River.
  • At the Fitzherbert Ave bridge, you can leave the trail and take a 2km diversion north into the city centre.

Fitzherbert Ave Bridge to Old West Road – 6km / 1 - 1.5 hours

  • Follow the path downstream from the Fitzherbert Ave bridge for about 1km until you reach He Ara Kotahi pedestrian bridge which crosses the Manawatū River. 
  • Cross He Ara Kotahi Bridge, turn right and follow the sealed pathway for about 100 metres. 
  • Turn left and follow the pathway which connects to Dairy Farm Road. Follow the shared path beside the road through the Fitzherbert Science Centres which ends at Tennant Drive.
  • The path continues under the Tennant Drive bridge, beside Turitea stream, then enters Bledisloe Park bush at the carpark adjacent to the stream. The Massey University Manawatū Campus lies to the south of the stream.
  • The trail then follows the well-formed pathway through the bush before climbing up the stepped terrace with views over the picturesque Massey University Campus.
  • Continue following the marked trail through open city parks, small bush reserves, fenced walkways and paddocks, to Old West Rd.
  • Cross to the pathway on the other side of Old West Rd via the underpass at the Turitea Stream bridge. 

Conditions

Potential Hazards:

  • Vehicles on road or track
  • Track exposed to sun, wind or cold

Access

Northern Start: Fitzherbert Ave Bridge

Southern End: Old West Road (SH57)

Transport

Getting there/away

  • Air New Zealand — Palmerston North Airport, Airport Drive, Milson P: 0800 737 000 
  • InterCity Buses arrive/leave from The Square

Rail

Trains Depart from Train Station — Off Tremaine Avenue, Palmerston North

Local transport

Palmerston North Bus services — Arrive/depart from Main St, near The Square, Palmerston North

Accommodation

  • Te Araroa homestay and camping for registered TA Hikers. Just 50m off the trail near the Fitzherbert Bridge over the Manawatū River. Beds available or camping if preferred. Hot shower, use of kitchen, laundry, linen provided, bikes available. Payment by koha/contribution. Hosted by Brian and Paula, Te Araroa Manawatū Trustee P: 027 6900 260 or 027 222 3742 - E: degoldiway@gmail.com
  • Whiowhio Hut - Palmerston North (close to the Manawatū River Shared Path). Please phone or text before arrival. P: 027 470 9829 - E: whiowhiohut@swampthing.co.nz Urban tramping hut. Kitchen, shower, laundry, bikes and even electricity. Payment by koha (donation). Hosted by Te Araroa walkers, Te Araroa Manawatū Trustees, and Whio (native blue duck) enthusiasts Anthony and Fiona (a.k.a. Whin and Whiona).
  • Palmerston North Holiday Park. 133 Dittmer Drive (off Ruha St) Palmerston North. P: 06 358 0349 E: palmerstonnorthholidaypark@xtra.co.nz https://palmerstonnorthholidaypark.co.nz/
  • Local accommodation businesses 

Food and Supply

  • Pak N' Save - 327 Ferguson St, Palmerston North
  • Countdown - Cnr Ferguson and Ashley St, in the Plaza
  • New World Melody’s Supermarket - 299 Broadway Ave
  • Bin Inn – 688 Main St
  • 4 Four Square - 354 Albert St, Hokowhitu
  • New World Aokautere, 198 Ruapehu Drive

Extra Info

General information

Before starting Te Araroa either as a through-walker of the whole country or a section walker, please register on Te Araroa website. Please also visit the website or download the app for detailed maps, trail alerts and other relevant information.  

This track is part of the Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa track database. Herenga ā Nuku has maps and advice about public access to the outdoors.

We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz.

We recommend trying these online learning tools:

Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel.

Last Edited: November 23, 2024 14:52:35 NZST

Intro

Te Araroa trail section: Skirt the western edge of the northern Tararua Range. 

Description

 Three-day summary

  • Day 1 to Moturimu Whare campsite, 31 km / 6.5–7.5 hours. Mostly on well-formed trails.
  • Day 2 to Ian & Franks Hut/Tokomaru Shelter campsite, 15 km / 6–7 hours. All bushwalking with stream crossings.
  • Day 3 to Makahika Outdoor Centre, 18 km / 8–9 hours. All bushwalking with multiple stream crossings.

Resupply options for the full Tararua section

The trail south after this section involves 3–6 days of hard tramping in the Tararua Range. You have the following options for resupply:

  1. Resupply in Palmerston North for 7–9 days, or
  2. Resupply in Palmerston North for 3 days, then either 
    • order online from Levin New World supermarket (NOT Countdown/Woolworths) for delivery to Makahika Outdoor Pursuits Centre, 865 Gladstone Rd, RD 1, Levin 5571. See details in Accommodation section below;
    • send a bounce box from Palmerston North to Makahika Outdoor Pursuits Centre; 
    • detour from Makahika OPC to Levin (approx. 13km) to resupply for 4–6 days.

Warning: Weather in the Tararua Range is notorious for deteriorating rapidly. Be prepared for extreme conditions at all times. There can be gale-force winds and heavy rain and snow can fall in any season. Be prepared to wait out storms or for streams to subside after heavy rain. Do not cross swollen streams. Be sure to fill in the intentions book at the start of the track.

Fitzherbert Ave Bridge to Old West Road – 7km / 1 - 1.5 hours

  • Follow the path downstream from the Fitzherbert Ave bridge for about 1km until you reach He Ara Kotahi pedestrian bridge which crosses the Manawatū River. 
  • Cross He Ara Kotahi Bridge, turn right and follow the sealed pathway for about 100 metres. 
  • Turn left and follow the pathway which connects to Dairy Farm Road. Follow the shared path beside the road through the Fitzherbert Science Centres which ends at Tennant Drive.
  • The path continues under the Tennant Drive bridge, beside Turitea stream, then enters Bledisloe Park bush at the carpark adjacent to the stream. The Massey University Manawatū Campus lies to the south of the stream.
  • The trail then follows the well-formed pathway through the bush before climbing up the stepped terrace with views over the picturesque Massey University Campus.
  • Continue following the marked trail through open city parks, small bush reserves, fenced walkways and paddocks, to Old West Rd.
  • Cross to the pathway on the other side of Old West Rd via the underpass at the Turitea Stream bridge. 

Old West Road to Black Bridge – 17.5km / 3.5 - 4.5 hours

  • From the carpark on Old West Road follow the Upper Turitea Walkway for a short distance then turn right into Turitea Road. 
  • Continue on the pathway beside Turitea Road. The trail descends an escarpment and enters a Green Corridor riparian planted area before returning to the road.
  • Carefully cross the one-lane bridge and continue along the road for another 300m.
  • Enter the gate on the left and continue along the path through the riparian reserve strip for 1km.
  • The strip is a mix of developing and new riparian plantings by Green Corridors and Palmerston North City Council, one of several that you will walk through on this section of the trail.
  •  Return to the road at the second one-lane bridge, turn left onto the bridge and walk a further 500m along Turitea Road. Turn right into Ngahere Park Road.
  • About 100m down the road cross the bridge over Turitea Stream, turn left through the gate and follow the trail for 1.5km through another Green Corridor planting.
  • Return to Turitea Rd, turn right and continue for 7km on a mix of gravel road and bush track then exiting onto Greens Road. Watch out for mountain bikes on this track. 
  • At a high point on Greens Rd, leave the road and follow the off-road trail down the hill, crossing small bridges along the way. There is a picnic table, and freshwater nearby, at the lower end of this pathway.
  • Re-join Greens Rd and after 100m turn left onto Kahuterawa Road. Warning: This is a busy country road with many vehicles travelling to and from the walking and mountain bike trails at the end of the road. Take care on this road.
  • There is a campsite, toilet and freshwater stream at Kahuterawa Reserve about 1.5 km along Kahuterawa Rd.
  • From here the road narrows and the seal ends. A further 3.5km on, the road ends at a large recreation carpark. There is a toilet and picnic tables, and camping is permitted.
  • From the carpark, it is a 200m walk to Black Bridge, where Back Track starts.

Black Bridge to Moturimu Whare campsite – 8km / 2 - 2.5 hours

  • Cross Black Bridge and follow Back Track for 2.5km to the top of the Arapuke Mountain Bike Park. Be prepared for mountain bike riders to appear at any time. It is a steady climb up, mainly through the native bush but with some good views. There is a toilet in the carpark at the top of Back Track.
  • The trail continues south along Scotts Rd for 2km before dropping down to the left to the locked gate into Gordon Kear Forest.
  • Climb over the stile on the left, skirt around the gate, cross the bridge over the Kahuterawa Stream and enter Gordon Kear Forest.
  • Follow the forestry road for approx. 2km to where Palmerston North City Council has established an approved campsite for TA hikers. There is a shelter (Moturimu Whare) with sleeping platforms, toilet, picnic tables and nearby, a freshwater stream. There is no fee for this campsite.
  • This is the only place where camping is permitted in Gordon Kear Forest. 

Burttons track: Moturimu Whare campsite to Ian & Franks Hut/ Tokomaru Shelter - 15 km / 6 - 7 hours

  • After leaving the campsite, take the Toko Corner Road, climbing steadily for approx. 3km where a picnic table and Department of Conservation signpost indicate the start of Burtton’s Track and entry into Tararua Forest Park.
  • Last cellphone reception for 1 1/2  days at picnic table.
  • The track descends through native forest to Tokomaru valley. The trail crosses No.1 Stream, sidles downstream a short distance, then sidles above Tokomaru river to No 2 stream.
  • After crossing No.2 Stream, the trail climbs uphill for 1 km past some mature rimu trees to 390m (approximately 40min). At the top, large orange triangles indicate a sharp right turn west. The track now zig zags down 700 m to Burtton's whare site (20min). Have a break there at the picnic table provide by TAMT. Water is available from the river nearby. From here the track is the historical trail built by Jim Burtton and completed in 1915. Mostly benched and of good width through regrowth bush, it follows up the Tokomaru River passing some attractive open clearings. Remains of old bridges and other structures may be seen along the way. 
  • After another 6 km you will have left Tararua Forest Park and will reach Ian & Franks Hut (aka Tokomaru Shelter) on the old Tokomaru Valley Road. There is a new toilet, picnic tables, bunk platform (no mattresses) and a fresh water stream nearby. This hut and camping area is provided by Te Araroa Manawatū Trust (TAMT). There is no fee for this campsite but koha/donations for ongoing maintenance and development of the hut and camping area would be appreciated. You can donate to the Trust online. 

Mangahao-Makahika Track: Ian & Franks Hut/Tokomaru Shelter to Poads Rd – 21.5km / 1 day

  • Continue south along Tokomaru Valley Rd for 2km until reaching an intersection. Turn left (south) onto Mangahao Rd
  • Stay on the road for a further 2km, passing the Mangahao No 3 Reservoir on your left, before reaching the signposted start of the Mangahao-Makahika Track on the right. Note: the TA app map shows 'Arapeti Campsite' opposite No 3 Reservoir dam.  The campsite is for self-contained campervans. There is no toilet or any other facilities there and it is not recommended forA T hikers.
  • The track re-enters the Tararua Forest Park and climbs 15m to a low spur where there is a track information sign, with distances and a map.
  • The track continues in a southerly direction for 2.5km (passing some fine examples of large rimu trees that escaped the bushman’s axe), before descending and crossing three tributaries of Blackwood Stream (named after the magnificent Black Beech in the vicinity). Note: This is the last drinking water until reaching the Makahika Stream, several hours walk ahead.
  • The track continues south and west with an easy and gradual gain in elevation before eventually reaching a maximum of 671m above sea level on the Makahika Ridge.
  •  There are two clear lookout points along the high ridge. The Horowhenua Lookout is a small cleared area on the right of the trail, with seating. It is reached after three to four hours walking from the road end and gives a grand vista of Shannon, Horowhenua and Manawatū. Another hour further along, as the trail begins to descend, is Archey’s Lookout, signposted to the left of the trail, with great views of Kāpiti Island, the South Island, the Makahika Valley and Gladstone Road.
  • The track soon drops off with a steady descent of 350m before reaching the terminus of the Makahika tramline formation, built in the early 20th century to extract logs from the forest.
  • From here, the trail follows an easy gradient along the former tramline route with benched track and cuttings clearly visible in many places. The trail crosses the Makahika Stream multiple times until open clearings begin to appear amidst the native bush.
  • These clearings become more frequent until reaching a clearing with a plaque commemorating the opening of this section of the track unveiled by the then Prime Minister, the Right Hon. Helen Clark on 23 February 2008. There is a toilet and picnic table at this location and a sidetrack down to a stream for freshwater. Camping is allowed here.
  • Alternatively, continue for another 4-5km to reach the Makahika Outdoor Pursuits Centre where camping and track advice is available.
  • Shortly after the campsite, the Tararua Forest Park boundary is reached where there is another track information sign.
  • For the last half hour, the track follows a poled route along an unfenced right-of-way through private land and crosses the Makahika Stream, before reaching the stile at Gladstone Rd.
  • Walk along Gladstone Rd for 2km to reach the Makahika Outdoor Pursuits Centre, then another 4.0km to reach Poads Road on the left. 
  • Cross the Poads Road bridge and after 1.5km you will reach the carpark at the entrance to Tararua Forest Park.
  • The section of the trail ahead of you involves 3-6 days through the forest and alpine terrain and includes many steep ascents and descents. It begins at 150m above sea level and reaches its highest point at Mount Crawford 1462m.

Warning: Weather in the Tararua Ranges is notorious for deteriorating rapidly. Be prepared for extreme conditions at all times. There can be gale-force winds and heavy rain and snow can fall in any season. Be prepared to wait out storms or for streams to subside after heavy rain. Do not cross swollen streams. Be sure to fill in the intentions book at the start of the track.

Conditions

Potential hazards:

  • Vehicles on road or track – stay alert for logging traffic in Gordon Kear Forest
  • Poisons and traps
  • Forestry operations
  • River crossings – never cross flooded rivers
  • Small stream crossings
  • Track exposed to sun, wind or cold
  • Weather extremes

Burttons Track:

  • NO horses, guns, vehicles, fires in forest.
  • Dogs MUST be on leash.

Access

Northern Start: Fitzherbert Ave Bridge, Palmerston North

Southern End: Junction of Gladstone and Poads Roads, Levin

Transport

Levin (approximately 10 km detour off-trail)

Getting there/away

  • InterCity (to/from Wellington and Auckland) - P: 09 583 5780 - E: info@intercity.co.nz
  • Capital Connection – Weekday train service to/from Wellington and Palmerston North
    Trains depart from Train Station – Oxford St, Levin (SH 1)

Local transport

  • Metlink – Route 291 bus/train between Waikanae and Levin - P: 0800 801 700 
  • Levin Taxis - 154 Main South Road. Levin - P: 06 210 2000

Accommodation

Campsites

Private_Campsite Moturimu Shelter - km 1,524.4 - free

Private_Campsite Ian and Franks Hut - km 1,539.1 - free - donations accepted

Other Accommodation Information

  • Moturimu Whare shelter: 32km from Fitzherbert Bridge, Palmerston North. Palmerston North City Council has established an approved campsite, within the Gordon Kear commercial pine forest. This is the only place where camping is permitted in Gordon Kear Forest. A shelter (Moturimu Whare), toilet, picnic table and rubbish bin are provided. A freshwater stream is located nearby. Note: No open fires permitted - gas cooking only, on the concrete pad. Please fill in the intentions book even if you are not staying.
  • Ian & Franks Hut/Tokomaru Shelter and camping area: 15 km south of Moturimu Whare, at the end of Burttons Track. There is a new toilet, picnic tables, bunk platform (no mattresses) and a fresh water stream nearby. Please fill in the intentions book even if you are not staying. Please take your rubbish with you. This hut and camping area is provided by Te Araroa Manawatū Trust (TAMT). Koha/donations for ongoing maintenance and development of the hut and campsite would be appreciated. You can donate to the Trust online.
  • Makahika Outdoor Pursuits Centre- 865 Gladstone Road, Levin. E: director@makahika.co.nz  A privately owned property situated approx. 2 km south of the Mangahao-Makahika Track exit onto Gladstone Rd.
  • John and Sally Duxfield host TAs as their private guests, at their home in the foothills of the Taraua Forest Park.
  • You are not guests at the Outdoor Centre; the outdoor centre facilities are not available for use by the TAs.  Makahika is not a camping site, nor open to the public; it provides week long residential programmes for school children and is closed from Mid-December to late January.
  • What you are offered:
    • A tent site on flat grass area, between our own home, and the staff cottage. No cabins, no bunk rooms, nope, no, nada.
    • An infinity gas shower, with a range of body wash and shampoo.
    • A Portaloo; (our composting unit can’t keep up with the number of hikers).
    • An outdoor kitchen space.
    • Power source for charging devices.
    • Rubbish disposal.
    • Delivery from New World of fresh food supplies.  (We recommend you  ORDER approximately 3-5 days prior to your arrival to ensure you are able to secure a delivery spot).
      • The delivery address is : Main House @ Makahika OPC, 865 Gladstone Road, RD1, Levin 5571
      • DO NOT USE COUNTDOWN – they take 3-5 days to deliver and the food is often spoiled by the time it arrives, as they use a rural courier delivery service; and quite frankly, hopeless.
      • Please do not rely on us to refrigerate your cold foods.  We do not have enough personal fridge space for the food of multiple hikers.
      • Nor do we have personal space to refrigerate drinks etc.
      • You have full cell service on site.  Sometimes there is WIFI available.
      • It is $15 per person per night.  You can pay cash, or pay electronically and provide the payment receipt; whichever works for you. There is a box for funds located in the ‘little black whare’.
      • The local Levin Taxi does a return trip for approx. $70-80.00 and with a van can take up to 8 persons.
    • You do not have to book; turn up, find a spot, settle in.  
    • There is a stream that you can swim in; please DO NOT use any soap for washing or any chemicals in our stream.  It is home to 9 native fish species and a treasure to be respected and nurtured.
    • Email Sally, director@makahika.co.nz or +64 21725593 with questions that you may have.

Levin

Food and Supply

  • Countdown Supermarket- Cnr Bristol and Stanley Sts, Levin
  • New World Supermarket - 21 Bath St. Levin
  • Pak ‘n Save Supermarket, 508 Queen St East, Levin

Extra Info

General information

Levin i-SITE Visitor Information Centre – 10 Bath St - P: 06 366 0848

Before starting Te Araroa either as a through-walker of the whole country or a section walker, please register on Te Araroa website. Please also visit the website or download the app for detailed maps, trail alerts and other relevant information.  

This track is part of the Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa track database. Herenga ā Nuku has maps and advice about public access to the outdoors.

We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz.

We recommend trying these online learning tools:

Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel.

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