walks, hikes, hunting & huts

The Ruahine Forest Park is available in Manawatu's Iron Gates Experience. Information as follows.
  • A fantastic selection of walks and tramps within The Ruahine State Forest and near Rangiwahia village.
  • ​From shorter walks through native bush to overnight hikes into the Ruahine Ranges, there is something to suit everyone.
  • It is also popular for hunting red deer.
  • The Ruahine's fast-flowing rivers are home for the endangered Blue Duck or whio.
  • The Department of Conservation (DOC) manage the forest parks.
  • See information below regarding dogs.
  • Click on links below to view available walks, hikes the popular huts starting from Rangiwahia moving south to near Apiti. 
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Trip Planning & Hut Fees
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Safety Information
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Click on map for further detail
DOC DOG RULES
Taken from the DOC website -
Only registered, avian aversion certified hunting dogs, Guide dogs, companion dogs (certified by the Top Dog Companion Trust) and dogs used for special services (including conservation management activities) are permitted in the park. All other dogs are banned. 
HUNTING WITH DOGS

RANGIWAHIA SCENIC RESERVE

This 130 acre (53 hectares) native virgin bush reserve is situated just south of Rangiwahia Village in northern Manawatu. READ MORE.......

KAIKAWAKA (CEMETERY) RESERVE

The Kaikawaka Scenic Reserve can be found south of Rangiwahia on Wairaki Street. Turn off Rangiwahia Road onto Miangaroa Road & continue onto Wairaki Street.The Rangiwahia Cemetery is tucked away at the end of this no exit road with the Reserve providing a peaceful backdrop. READ MORE.......

IAN MCKEAN PINETUM

Welcome to Ian McKean Pinetum - where you’ll discover the largest collection of conifers in the Southern Hemisphere.
Founded in 1958, this pinetum is a lifetime of work by farmer and tree-enthusiast Rawhiti “Ian” McKean.  READ MORE.......

RANGIWAHIA TRACK & HUT

Rangiwahia track is one of the most popular walks in the Ruahine Forest Park. The start of the track is about 15 minutes east of Rangiwahia village. READ MORE.......

deadman's track

The Rangiwahia car park is the starting point for either the The Rangiwahia track or Deadman's track. Consequently, it is a popular loop hike, taking about 6 - 7 hours through a variety of beautiful native flora. READ MORE......

​ALICE NASH MEMORIAL HERITAGE LODGE & TRACK

In 2005 the old Heritage Lodge burned down. It had been built by the NZ Deerstalkers Asscociation, (NZDA), whose members were devastated at the loss.  READ MORE.....

SIXTUS LODGE & ARBORETUM

Sixtus Lodge was established in 1977 on 6.5 hectares of magical landscape and bush out in the "whop whops". READ MORE.......

LIMESTONE GLOW WORM CAVES

About 20 minutes drive north east of Apiti, you will come to the entrance to some special limestone and glow worm caves. It was a 600-meter loop track, included walking through the caves, then climbing up through a bush walk coming back onto the road. READ MORE.......

DEERFORD TRACK & MAKIEKIE (COAL) CREEK

In the northern Manawatu, east of Apiti are a series of beautiful hikes, including crossing the picturesque Coal Creek, beautiful beech forest & climbing up onto the tussock. ​READ MORE.......

IRON GATES VIA THE OROUA RIVER

You will need about 4 hours for this memorable tramp, but it is worth it! This includes time for a couple of meal breaks and viewing of the stunning gorge. READ MORE.......

​IRON GATES GORGE VIA THE STOAT TRAPS TRACK​

Travel up Table Flat Road north of Apiti, which changes to metal road.
Veer left up Petersons Road  and continue to  the upgraded carpark.
READ MORE.......

TUNuPO TRACK

You will need about 6-7 hours for a return trip. Your trip begins at the Table Flat carpark, down the track over farmland and into the Ruahine Forest Park.
READ MORE......

IRON GATE TRACK & HUT

Iron Gate Hut is situated about 3-4 hours from the Alice Nash Heritage Memorial Lodge for relatively-experienced trampers. DOC have recently replaced the hut with a smart new hut set above the Oroua River. READ MORE.......

TRIANGLE TRACK & HUT

Triangle Hut is a six bunk hut situated between Rangiwahia and Iron Gates Huts in the Oroua River catchment. READ MORE.......

RUAHINE RANGE FLYOVER

In April 2010, Steve had wonderful opportunity to take a helicopter ride with Lance Bickford (Former CEO Destination Manawatu) and Damien Coutts (DOC regional manager).  READ MORE.......

THE OROUA BLUE DUCK PROJECT

The Oroua Blue Duck protection project  is a community project aimed at increasing Blue Duck or Whio populations in the Oroua catchment in the Ruahine State Forest. READ MORE.......
Remember 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 your footprints.
Toilet facilities available in Rangiwahia, Apiti and Kimbolton
​Motorhome and camping sites available in Rangiwahia, Apiti Tavern & Eatery and Kimbolton Hotel