manawatu gorge track

DrWendyNZ

The recently completed loop walk is a 90 min excursion through a well gmaintained track. There are enough steep bits to remind you of the effort needed but the track would suit most age groups and abilities. There are plenty of reset stops and several lookouts. Spectacular looking over three the big slip was in 2012. Wear sturdy shoes - trainers ok. A water bottle is handy as well. Plenty of parks

DrVargheseJ

the gorge walking track is a lovely get way and a good exercise which can range from 20 mins loops to a 4 to 6 hours walk. good to have such a scenic bush walk so close to town. of all the people using it, the most amusing sight was a Massy student who had chosen to come up here and do her reading in the peace and tranquility of the bush in one of the recently established picnic benches.

148susan

Even though a lot of people were on the track at the same time as us, it didn't feel too crowded. We went on the loop which is an hour twenty five minutes. It was up hill most of the way but I handled it with a few stops to catch my breath. The kids, 6yrs, 8yrs, 12yrs aced it. Tree lined with the odd sign and two lookouts on the way.

Joan_Spiller

Check the doc site, it's well worth the walk for all it isn't really well known (I wondered why anyone would bother, til I did it!) it's very pretty and there's a range to do, to suit everyone.

malandlinda

We only found out about the Gorge Track after visiting the iSight office in Woodville. We parked at the far end of the Gorge and did the easy Loop track with Tom's lookout, the Big Slip and the modern steel sculpture (which I can't recall the name of) but it was made as a celebration to the chief of the tribe who first came to the area. Walk was really enjoyable and not difficult. Including stopping to take in views the whole walk took just on 2 hours. We would have done the larger walk but as we only arrived at almost 4pm we wouldn't have had the time to complete it. Well worth doing and it's free.

192stephend

Family walk enjoyed by all , the end seems the best & a nice reward for a quiet Sunday trek with family..

Pauapatty

Great place to go for a walk. Several different lengths of tracks depending on how long you want to spend. It is a bit steep going up but views are worth it. You can hear birds as you wander through the forest. I have been three times now and it is always popular with lots of people walking and enjoying it. Paths are well maintained and you see all age groups up there.

Jussiluukkonen

Manawatu Gorge Track is a great walk with information about the native birds. A clever QR code brings them alive if you have an iPhone with you. The track is not too difficult and even small kids can enjoy it. Take enough of water or prepare a nice picnic. We were there about 2 hours and still wanted to have some more. Great place to visit.

joby5

There are different options, especially if you have a non-walking driver to drive you. You can do the return trip in a day. You can walk one way from either side of the gorge. You can shorten the walk by starting or finishing at the bridge over the Manawatu River at the end of the gorge, Woodville side. A shorter walk is the loop from the Ashhurst side which you can do in either direction. Another option is to walk to the picnic area and toilets up the top by the wind turbine. This is at the end of a short side track. You could have your lunch here and then walk back.

keithw375

This gorge track to the lookout is a credit to all those who have built it,very informative notices about the the native trees and birds etc.the view had the lookout on top of the slip is impressive.well worth a visit when in the manawatu.

8philb

We have been using the Gorge track for many years as a training ground for other events and generally keeping fit. It has now been improved and access is easier, not sure about the very odd and cheap looking metal structure that has been erected. But if you ignore that and go from one end to the other, its fantastic. Take a diversion to view the slip (its well signposted) and then continue to the top. There are several viewing points and these are good spots to stop and take a drink, bite to eat etc. We typically, run/walk and either just one way Ashhurst to Balance takes about one and half hours (brisk walking would be about 2 hours) - there and back is about three hours and you know you've had a work-out when you finish. If your clever you can organise to have a car at the balance side for the return if you only go one way.

nzphotog

You can do either 4 hours or do a return trip, depending on our physical level. The terrain is varied and gives a great work-out. Spectacular views through the trees to the wind turbines (a disgrace to the natural scenery). Many benches along the way, plus educational signs to the trees and to historical stuff.

nanny0072014

The Gorge Track is another fantastic place to take children, take water and some food in a back pack - if you go in from the Ashhurst side, you walk under the road and into the bush - the kids love this! You can just go up to the lookout or do the loop walk (if you have small children). It can seem a little bit steep, but it's not really, keep going! The full walk needs some organisation as you would want to be picked up at Ballance. If you go in at Ballance end with children, just keep walking to the first "look out" and if you want to go further, all good! At this side of the Gorge there is a little park for the kids - picnic lunch OR better still, the Ballance Cafe is just down the road!

TropicWanderer

The Manawatu Gorge walk is a enjoyable walk if you take the short version. The long one would be great if you had a full day and I have not yet had the opportunity.The walk while steep in places does rest for some stunning views. There are a number of bench's along the way and picnic tables located at the top. The views are very nice with a view point looking out over the Tararuas and you can find another one looking out over the gorge.It also has a large car park which means that you can likely get a park on a weekend, though I recommend the middle of the week. It seemed that there was only us for at least half the walk. I did find the signs that provided you with a bird song a bit strange, but a I heard a few real birds in there but not as many as I would prefer. Though it is a nice place to get away from the city for a while or to stop off on your way through the gorge.Well enjoy the journey.

celiap169

Did this walk from the Palmerston North end but left a car through the Woodville end and had lunch at a lovely café when finished. Moderate climb to the top and then pretty much all down hill. Some lovely view points along the way but mostly in the bush. Well formed and maintained tracks. We did this on quite a windy day but once in the bush it was so sheltered I would say this is a walk for all weather.