The Manawatu Gorge is just northeast of Palmerston North, and runs between the Tararua Range to the south and the Ruahine Range to the north, carved out by the Manawatu River.
To explore the Manawatu Gorge, you can take a loop that starts in Palmerston North at the Victoria Esplanade and takes in the west end of the Manawatu Gorge Track. From there, take Saddle Road to the eastern end of the gorge, then Gorge Road and Pahiatua Aokautere Road back across the Tararuas.
Victoria Esplanade
In Palmerston North, the Te Araroa Trail follows the northern side of the Manawatu River. A good place to access the trail is from Victoria Esplanade, a large park to the south of the city. It includes short walks through native forest and bush, as well as more traditional park features and the walkway along the river.
Manawatu Gorge Track
The western access to the Manawatu Gorge Track starts where the old highway entered the gorge. It follows the edge of the road, then climbs up to the top of the face of the gorge, about 200 meters or so above the river.
If you walk the entire length allow for about three to four hours each way. Alternatively you can do the Tawa Loop Track through native bush, which takes about two hours to complete.
Saddle Road
After the Manawatu Gorge, head north through Ashurst, then east over the Ruahines via Saddle Road. It’s a windy, spectacular drive through farmland and the Te Apiti wind farm – there’s a fantastic viewpoint within the wind farm as you approach the top.
Gorge Road
On the eastern side of Ruahines, head south back to the east entrance of the gorge. There’s a large reserve where you can camp, as well as access to the river and the Manawatu Gorge Track. Cross the river on the one lane bridge, then head along Gorge Road until you reach Pahiatua Aokautere Road, which will take you over the Tararuas back to Palmerston North.
