8 minute read
7 TOP LOWER NORTH ISLAND WALKS
© AA Traveller 2021
1. POUAKAI CROSSING
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Where is it? Starts at North Egmont Visitor Centre and finishes at the Egmont National Park boundary at Mangōrei Rd. You need to use a shuttle service or arrange transportation with two vehicles.
Need to know: The best time to walk the Pouakai Crossing is from December to April. It can be walked year round but the higher parts can be affected by snow and ice in winter. No dogs. 7-9hr; 19km one way. Reasonable fitness required – moderately challenging walk.
Pouakai Crossing, Egmont National Park © Adobe Stock
TRACK OVERVIEW The track is well-formed and popular. Mt Taranaki features significantly and you can also expect to frame views over north Taranaki countryside to the coast and inland to Mt Ruapehu in your camera. The walk winds past lava columns, rivers and streams, the Ahukawakawa Swamp and across the golden tussocks of the Pouakai plateau. It finishes with a descent through forest to the lower Pouakai Ranges. Parts of the track are muddy and it’s a very full day so be prepared, check the weather and check for alerts and changes to the track at the visitor centre or on the DOC website.
2. DAWSON FALLS WALKING TRACKS
Dawson Falls © Ed Aish
Where is it? Dawson Falls Visitor Centre, Manaia Rd, Egmont National Park.
Terrain: Well-maintained forest paths, some steps, expect mud after rain, and the river may be dangerous to cross if the rain has been heavy.
Did you know? Dawson Falls Power Station is one of the world’s longest serving generators, having been in continuous operation since 1935. Built in 1900 in New York, it was previously in service in Tasmania before being shipped to Taranaki. Walkers can look into the machine room thanks to push button illumination.
Need to know: Kapuni Loop 1hr; 1.4km Wilkies Pool Loop 80min; 1.9km Ridge Loop 80min; 1.9km. Basic fitness required. Some steps.
TRACK OVERVIEW: There are three main walks, and they all take around an hour. The 1.4km Kapuni Loop down to Dawson Falls travels along Kapuni Stream, through what’s described as a ‘goblin forest' of sub-alpine trees. After following a short steep track, you will reach the base of Te Rere o Noke, Dawson Falls. The 1.9km Wilkies Pools Loop Track takes you to a series of pools carved out of ancient lava flow. If you're here in summer, you’ll want swimsuits and towels as there is excellent swimming along here; the first 900m to the pools are stroller friendly. The 1.9km Ridge Loop Track heads up through forest and crosses the stream before taking you back to the visitor centre.
3.BRIDGE TO NOWHERE WALK
Bridge to Nowhere © Visit Ruapehu
Where is it? Two options: Start at Mangapūrua Landing on the Whanganui River with boat transport required. This will take 90min and is 3km returning the way you came. Or start at the Mangapūrua Track, with access from either Whakahoro Rd or Ruatiti Rd. To walk from Whakahoro it will take approximately 11hr, or from Ruatiti Rd end, it also takes about 11hr. The easiest way is to use river transport and opt for the 3km return walk.
Terrain: Well-maintained bush trails.
Get this: The Bridge to Nowhere experiences more traffic today, albeit foot traffic, than when it was first constructed.
Need to know: From Mangapūrua Landing 90min return/3km or from Whakahoro 11hr or from Ruatiti Rd end 11hr. Basic fitness if walking short version. Easy walking if walking short version. No dogs, unless you have a DOC permit.
TRACK OVERVIEW: This impressive concrete bridge was built in 1936 to provide a means of crossing Mangapūrua Stream, which was a significant upgrade from the swing bridge people used to cross on. Sadly, by the time the bridge was completed, only three farmers lived in the area and,with so few people located around the bridge, the government chose not to maintain the roads that connected with it. The result is a charming walk through quintessential New Zealand native bush to an unexpectedly sturdy and elegant structure.
4. MANAWATŪ GORGE TAWA LOOP WALK
Where is it? It starts at the Ashhurst end of the Manawatū Gorge, around 15km east of Palmerston North, adjacent to SH 3. The car park is just before the entrance to the gorge.
Terrain: Well-formed and maintained tracks. The 20-minute Manawatū Gorge Track is suitable for strollers but the longer loop track is not.
Go with the flow: The Manawatū River is the only river to flow from Hawke's Bay to the west coast, travelling 105km west rather than 40km east. Why? It’s understood that the river existed before the Tararua Mountain Ranges were formed.
Need to know: 2hr; 4km loop. Medium fitness required. Some climbing. No dogs.
TRACK OVERVIEW This is an inspiring walk through beautiful territory, with lots of added interest. Be extra careful at the start of the track between the main highway and the river, as there are sharp drop-offs to the river. The 4km Loop Track branches off the short Manawatū Gorge Track and eventually comes back to it. It passes through tawa and podocarp forest, along with nīkau palms and a maidenhair fern unique to the area. Along the way you’ll get brilliant views across Palmerston North and come across a carving of Māori warrior Whatonga.
5. BIG REDWOODS TRACK (TE MATA PEAK)
Te Mata Peak © Adobe Stock
Where is it? The track starts out from the Main Gates Car Park at the base of Te Mata Peak, 7km from Havelock North in the Hawke’s Bay.
Terrain: Mostly flat but a little unlevel in places due to exposed tree roots. It can also be slippery especially after rain so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Need to know: 1hr; 2.7km one way. Average fitness required. Mostly flat. Dogs are allowed on tracks only.
TRACK OVERVIEW: It’s inevitable, when standing beneath a mob of 40m-high Californian redwood trees, you’ll strain, probably in vain, to see to the bristles of their faraway treetops. It has an almost dizzying effect, but when you’re cradled inside an army of enormous trunks, it’s also like receiving a giant, nature-sized hug. This track is the shortest and most direct pathwayto see the redwood grove. Kids especially enjoy the looped 2.7km/one-hour walk that weaves a route through this giants’ kingdom on the outskirts of Havelock North. It’s rugged yet mostly flat, spread across the lower slopes of Te Mata Peak along well-formed and well-used tracks. At times, when the redwoods part and the cocoon is broken, spectacular views across the Heretaunga Plains spill into eyeshot.
6. MĀKARA WALKWAY
Castle Point, Wairarapa © Jet Productions
Where is it? Mākara Beach, 16km north of Wellington.
Terrain: Coastal paths, rough tracks, farm trails.
Need to know: The track is closed from August till Labour Weekend for lambing. When the northerly wind is blowing strongly, it is advisable to avoid this walk but if there’s a southerly the area can be pleasantly sheltered. Beware of tides when walking on the beach. 4hr; 7km loop. Average fitness required. Some climbing. No dogs.
TRACK OVERVIEW One of three tracks in the Meridian West Wind Recreation Area, this is the kind of walk that blows out the cobwebs. Starting and ending on Mākara Beach, the trail climbs upward to provide walkers with incredible views across to Kāpiti Island, the South Island and majestic wind farms. For military history buffs, make time to explore the ancient pā site of Ngati Ira, found at the western end of Fisherman’s Bay. You can also spot gun emplacements from World War Two, when Fort Opau was the garrison home to over 100 soldiers. Be sure to pack water, warm clothes and be prepared for all weather conditions as this can be a rugged section of coast.
7. CITY TO SEA WALKWAY
Wellington Cable Car © WellingtonNZ
Where is it? Start at Bolton Street Cemetery in the city and walk towards Island Bay on the south coast.
Terrain: City walking, town belt and bush tracks, pretty parks, quite hilly.
Grave news: Bolton Street Cemetery is made up of three separate cemeteries with gravestones dating back to the 1840s. It’s elegant, peaceful and beautifully maintained so take a moment to reflect before setting off on the walk.
Need to know: 6-7hr; 12km. Reasonable fitness required. City walking, quite hilly. No dogs .
TRACK OVERVIEW: Watching out for the orange trail markers, depart from the historic Bolton Street Cemetery before crossing the motorway on the Denis McGrath Bridge. Arriving in the formal rose gardens of the Wellington Botanic Gardens, 25 hectares of impressively grand planting, you’ll want to make some time to explore here before heading to the top on the Wellington Cable Car. Walk down the steps to Kelburn Park and through the grounds of Victoria University and onwards, down to Aro Valley past old houses clinging to the hillsides. Then you’ll go up through Central Park in Brooklyn before making a beeline for MacAlistair Park. Walk around the fringes of the Berhampore Golf Course before arriving on Tawatawa Bridge. This can be quite bracing when the wind is blowing but it’s also where you’ll discover some of the best views. This is also the steepest part of the walk, so ideal for a break to catch your breath. Once you see the Oku Reserve Trig, you’ll know you’re not far from Island Bay, which you’ll get to by walking down Shorland St.
