Photo. Sept 4th 2020. Looking up Te Parapara Road on a beautiful spring morning after fresh snow covers the Ruahine Ranges.

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 (see map below) and is named after the Iron Gates Gorge, a local natural wonder (photo above). 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 

​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.
Kimbolton now have a self-service fuel stop. 
This is 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

nz herald local focus article about the country road

What is available around  the Iron Gates Experience?

• 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​​

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

9th Sept 2020. Website Changes & Updates

• Check out new Accommodation available at Apiti Village..........  The Last Church in Apiti
• Check Mary Bielski's story about the Rangiwahia Scenic Reserve on The Palmerston North & Manawatu Facebook page.
• Check out The Rangiwahia Scenic Reserve visitors's comments.
• Rangiwahia Hall, Services & Facilities updated
• Apiti Hall, Services & Facilities updated
• ​Read about Rangiwahia History, in particular the Bielski Family History.
• The Apiti Tavern and Eatery has closed and will not reopen in the foreseeable future. However, we will let you know via the website if there are any changes.
• Historic Mangaweka Bridge information & video
• Oroua Blue Duck Project documentary about distributing stoat traps with The Ruahine Forest Park.
• Hansen's Cafe and Store in Kimbolton open 5 days including Sundays. Read more........​ 
• Iron Gate Hut. For the more experienced tramper, take a hike to the new Iron Gate Hut. Read more......​
• Deadman' Track added to the site. Read more.....

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A new cell phone tower has been erected north east of Rangiwahia near Renfrew Road, which has 4G HD (voLTE) capabilties, and made live on 22/1/2020 for SPARK, Vodafone &  2 Degrees customers to receive or send calls.
Your cell phone must be compatible with this new technology.  If your phone is compatible with this new technology the following may be required.

• A phone software update
• A new SIM card inserted 
• Phone activation. This may need to done via your provider
• The voLTE icon needs to appear on the notification bar at the top of the phone beside the wifi & signal bars. Otherwise it will not work. Check at you local provider.
• You will still be able to text.

Voice calling will be still be available to those using an older generation mobile via internet-enabled applications such as WhatsApp, Viber, Facetime or Facebook Messenger.
Please click on your provider links below for further information.

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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

SPARK

      0800 110 062

Vodafone

  0800 800 021

2 Degrees

  0800 022 022