Photo. The Ruahine Range provide a stunning backdrop for the Rangiwahia Scenic Reserve. Rangiwahia village is left of the Reserve. 

Escape the main highway and take the road less travelled

Manawatu's "The Iron Gates Experience" is a beautiful, tranquil scenic area in northern Manawatu.
The experience begins at the northern entrance of the Manawatu Scenic Route (map) and is named after the Iron Gates Gorge, a local natural wonder. It's remote majesty was the inspiration for linking the area's beauty, activities and people to create this experience. It is also possible to tramp to the Iron Gates Gorge itself via two routes

• The Stoat Trap's Track 
• The Oroua River ​

What is available around  the Iron Gates Experience?

• ​Adventure​
• Horse riding
• ​Altitude Fly Fishing
• Golf
• Limestone & Glow Worm Caves​​
  
• Wood products
• Art
• ​Sustainable creativity
• ​Rangiwahia Hall, Services & facilities 
• Apiti Hall, Services & Facilities
• Places to stay & eat​

• Scenic drives
• Picnic spots
• Signage
• History​
• Cycling
• Swimming holes
• ​Wetlands
• Mudstone Boulders
• Bush Walks
• Tramps​​
• Motorhome site
• ​​Bird watching​
• ​Historic Bridge​
  
• Oroua Blue Buck Project​​

nz herald local focus article about the country road

cell phone information

Website Changes & updates

The rural villages of Rangiwahia and Apiti & their surrounding districts share their stunning scenery including farmland, sweeping white papa cliffs, deep gorges, ancient native bush and wetlands. These can be enjoyed whether you are driving, cycling, walking or riding.
It is more than just a touring route. It is an area where you can get to know the local people and enjoy their warm country hospitality and creativity.
REMEMBER FUEL

• Please fill your petrol tanks before you visit the area, Palmerston North, Feilding, Ashhurst and Taihape are your closest petrol stations.
  
• There is a self-service fuel stop at Kimbolton situated on the south side of Kimbolton in the 50 km area and just south of the public toilets.

 

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Map identifying key places

Click on photo for Driving Times & Distances.​

Scenic Photo Gallery

KEEP NORTHERN MANAWATU BEAUTIFUL! 
​​ Beautiful natural spaces can be explored and enjoyed by visitors around northern Manawatu.
However, facilities are not always provided at these places.
Unless signage indicates otherwise -
 !      ​Strictly no camping, tenting or freedom camping
 !   Strictly no fires
 !   Take away all rubbish. Leave only footprints.
Toilet facilities available in Rangiwahia, Apiti and Kimbolton street
​Motorhome and camping sites available in Rangiwahia, Apiti Tavern & Eatery and Kimbolton Hotel