LOWER NORTH ISLAND
MANAWATŪ GORGE TAWA LOOP WALK 4
A great walk for families with a rich mix of ancient native bush and expansive views.
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.
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.
Terrain Well-formed and maintained tracks. The 20-minute Manawatū Gorge Track is suitable for strollers but the longer loop track is not.
2hr; 4km loop Medium fitness required Some climbing
No dogs © ManawatuNZ.co.nz
TRACK OVERVIEW EXPLORE MANAWATŪ The Manawatū region covers a large area including the main cities of Palmerston North and Whanganui. Culture vultures should explore the Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and History while those still in hiking boots can stride along the Manawatū River Pathway, a 10km riverside walk. Also here is Massey University which adds a lovely bookish ambience to the area.
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ŌRONGORONGO TRACK
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. The most popular walk in the Remutaka Forest Park, with a variety of forest, a bit of a challenge and swimming holes.
Where is it?
TRACK OVERVIEW Set off from the car park, where there is also an information centre and, for the first 90 minutes or so, climb through a variety of forest types from podocarp, including rimu, miro and tōtara, to broadleaf which, thanks to the tangled vines and ferns, can resemble a tropical rainforest. Nīkau palms and tawa are also prevalent along this first section. As you climb higher up Cattle Ridge the forest starts to transform into hard beech and, at the track’s highest point between Catchpool Valley and the Ōrongorongo River, you’ll come across a towering stand of northern rātā. No matter how many times you view these majestic trees, they will always take your breath away. Finally, at the end of the track, you’ll discover the swimming holes of the Turere Stream which, in summer, couldn’t be a more welcome sight.
154 Park Road Palmerston North
phone - +64 6 356 7077 fax - +64 6 356 7030
Starts at Catchpool car park on Catchpool Valley Rd, 12km south of Wainuiomata.
Terrain Well-maintained gravel and forest paths.
Need to know The Catchpool car park gate is open from 6am-8pm in summer and 6am6pm in winter.
4-5hr; 10.4km Average fitness required Some climbing Dogs are allowed on a leash only
WELLINGTON’S
UPPER HUTT UPPER HUTT
KIWI HOLIDAY PARK
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3 Safe bike storage 3 Close to Manawatu River Bridle Track 3 Adjacent sports grounds & Esplanade Park 3 Quiet location off main street 3 High-speed wireless and cable broadband 3 New 32” HD LCD TVs, SKY & DVD players 3 Breakfasts and dinners by arrangement 3 Walking distance (800m) to most civic amenities & CBD 3 Tariff: $125 - $319 (1-2 persons) Phone Peak rates may apply
45 Akatarawa Rd, Upper Hutt p. +64 4 526 7400 • 027 243 2133 e. harcourtholidaypark@xtra.co.nz Proprietors: Giles Family
Direct for Best Prices
stay@bigfivemotel.co.nz • www.bigfivemotel.co.nz
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Gateway to the south...
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Phone for reservations: +64 04 526 7400 www.harcourtholidaypark.co.nz
