MANAWATU'S IRON GATES EXPERIENCE
  • Home
    • Driving Times and Distances
    • Iron Gates Map
  • Explore
  • Stay & Eat
  • Walks
  • Cycling
  • Contact
  • The Country Road
  • Image Gallery
  • The Oroua Whio/Blue Duck Project
  • Rangiwahia-Ruahine History
  • Articles
Lunch Break 

RANGIWAHIA SCENIC RESERVE


Photo above: Lunch break at the Red Beach Cafe on the Three Hour Track

Within the 130 acre (53 ha) Rangiwahia Scenic Reserve there are now two pest-control tracks that  are able to be walked by the public -
the ONE HOUR TRACK and the THREE HOUR TRACK.
(These times are approximate only)
  • We invite you to not only walk these tracks, but to look around and see what it could have been like in pre-European days.
  • The reserve is an example of the remnant bush that covered much of the northern Manawatu
  • Terrain is moderate to steep; more so on The Three Hour track.
  • Ropes act as handrails in steeper sections.
  • It is a bush trail not a “walk in the park”
  • Cell-phone coverage throughout​
  • AS ONE PERSON COMMENTED,  ​“IT IS SIMPLY MAGICAL”.​​
DIRECTIONS.
  • Access to the Reserve is via Mangoira Street, off Rangiwahia Road. It is a short drive to the car park from where a wooden fence, large information sign & mailbox will be seen.
  • The mailbox contains a visitors book, so please make comments. Follow the pink triangle markers. 
  • Please Note. ​Do not follow the Google Maps route down Mangoira Road about 4 kms south of Rangiwahia. There are now clear signs directing visitors to the correct entrance.​​

ONE HOUR TRACK (Green)
  • PINK MARKERS will guide you along the track. 
  • A basic to moderate level of fitness is required with suitable footwear, warm clothing, food and water. 
  • Distance – 1.15 hours return to carpark. This time is approximate. 
  • Length – 2.1 kms return
  • The last 10 minutes follow the paper road around the perimeter of the Reserve returning to the car park or you can turn around and walk the track in the opposite direction providing a different perspective.

THREE HOUR TRACK (Blue)
A longer and more challenging track than the 
ONE HOUR TRACK, but you are rewarded by a more diverse landscape. Information signs are stationed along the track
  • PINK MARKERS will guide you along the track. 
  • You must have at least a medium level of fitness with suitable footwear, warm clothing, food and water.
  • Distance – 4.5 kms round trip from the carpark.
  • Length– 3-4 hour return either via the perimeter or back along the ONE HOUR TRACK
Visitor Comment 29th December 2023.
This was a pleasant surprise. Looking for a nice place in the area to also take our dog. Our host recommended this one! I must admit I was going in with high expectations thinking a 4.5kms loop was a bit on the short side for us. 
I was proven wrong! Lots of “up a hill” “down a hill” mostly covered with roots (so watch your step). Lots of info on the way! And love NZ humour and the cafés! 
If taking a dog I recommend to have them off leash as I think “on” could be challenging when you both have to handle walking with care. 
Also I love trees but am not an enthusiast, however I truly was made to appreciate the diversity in this piece of forest! 
Ka pai for all the hard work put into this space!



Picture
MORE ABOUT
THE RESERVE

Something of interest around every corner.
Picture
VISITORS COMMENTS
Take a look at the comments in the
​visitor's book.
Picture
SIGNAGE
View examples of information signs
​along the tracks​
Picture
 AERIAL MAP
​Aerial map of the reserve


Picture
TRACKS
​Click to enlarge map
Picture
NZ HERALD STORY
Click here to check out a recent NZ Herald video about the reserve put together June 2022
Picture
FACE BOOK
We have set up a Face Book page so we can keep you updated on what is happening.    
​ Visit & Like our FB Page
Picture
GIVE-A-LITTLE PAGE
Rangiwahia Community has set up a Give-A-Little Page. All work within the Reserve in voluntary.
Picture
PHOTO GALLERIES
View photos of both tracks

 !!!!ALERTS!!!! 
  • ROOTS COVER THE TRACKS IN MANY PLACES – WATCH YOUR FOOTING.
  •  MOSQUITOES AROUND IN SUMMER. COVER UP OR USE INSECT REPELLANT IF REQUIRED.
Dogs allowed, but please keep under control and use a lead if necessary, especially around the track perimeter, close to farmland. Ensure dog's worming is up to date.  ​
We support The Department of Conservation's (DOC) Predator-Free 2050 mission and are doing our part to reduce pests within two of our local reserves, including this reserve and The Kaikawaka Reserve.
CONTACT
Steve or Mary Bielski
Cell. 0274 842 822


back to explore
back to map
Back to walks
Picture
home
EXPLORE
STAY & EAT
WALKS
CYCLING
Contact
the country road
Image Gallery
Rangiwahia History
Articles
Rangiwahia Community facebook
Rangiwahia Scenic Reserve Facebook
Apiti-Where's That? Facebook
Picture

Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies
​For more information visit Adventure Smart


Remember KEEP NORTHERN MANAWATU BEAUTIFUL!
Facilities are not always provided.
Unless signage indicates otherwise -

 !   ​Strictly no camping, tenting or freedom camping
 !   
Strictly no fires

 !   Take away all rubbish. Leave only your footprints.
Toilet facilities available in Rangiwahia, Apiti and Kimbolton.​
​Motorhome and camping sites available in 
​Rangiwahia, Apiti Tavern & Eatery and Kimbolton Hotel

  • Home
    • Driving Times and Distances
    • Iron Gates Map
  • Explore
  • Stay & Eat
  • Walks
  • Cycling
  • Contact
  • The Country Road
  • Image Gallery
  • The Oroua Whio/Blue Duck Project
  • Rangiwahia-Ruahine History
  • Articles