Top Things to do in Manawatu-Wanganui Region
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The 10 Best Hiking Trails in Manawatu-Wanganui Region, North Island
Discover the best top things to do in Manawatu-Wanganui Region, New Zealand including Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Alice Nash Memorial Heritage Lodge Track, Horsemtrails, Manawatu River Pathway, Tongariro Northern Circuit, Rangiwahia Hut Track, Active Outdoor Adventures, Waitahinga Trails, Mead's Wall, Bruce Park Loop Track.
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1. Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,166 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By RJMEX - Brooks, Canada
My wife and I did the Tongariro Crossing on February 8, 2019. We rode the Northern Express train from Auckland, stopped in Ohakune for two nights to do the Crossing, and continued on to Wellington. I had done some research on the Crossing, so we were prepared with hiking boots, day packs, layered windproof clothing, and extra collapsible water bottles. We also pre-booked a shuttle service to deliver us to the trail head, and pick us up at the finish. This is essential if you are doing the full day hike as there is a 4 hour parking limit in the car parks and the full hike is a good 6-8 hours depending on fitness level, photo op time, and how much you want to just enjoy the experience. Make no mistake, this is not a flatland "walk in the park", and unless you are at a good level of health and fitness and have the proper gear, this is not the hike for you. We are in our mid 60s and consider ourselves fit, but this was a workout. I recall the shuttle driver saying there were something like 800 stair steps going both up and down, and while they do make things less treacherous going up, they were a special kind of torture on the descent which takes 3 - 3.5 hrs. We saw several hikers suffering blisters, aching knees, and lack of water. The temperatures were quite cool when we started in the morning, along with a fairly strong wind, and we were glad for the wind proof clothing. By the time we were descending in the afternoon, it was quite warm and we had shed the layers. Heed the warnings about changing weather! We had a beautiful clear day, but a couple days earlier a guide told us the trail was down to a meter visibility in places due to fog and mist. You will find websites and reviews that play down the difficulty of this journey and tell you people from 4 years to 94 years have done the Crossing. That may well be, but these are exceptions, not the rule. My wife had to help a young nurse in her twenties who was afraid to continue due to the unstable footing on the descent from Red Crater and a guide told about having to carry a 10 year old over part of the trail he simply refused to go down. If you are unsure of your ability or equipment, book the hike with a guide or at least talk to someone who has done the crossing. Age is not the barrier, fitness and careless preparation is. If you decide to take the challenge and weather cooperates, you will be rewarded by some of the most spectacular views on the planet. Enjoy and good hiking!!
2. Alice Nash Memorial Heritage Lodge Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
3. Horsemtrails
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 49 reviews
Memorable horse trekkings at the foot of the great mountains Tongariro - Ruapehu - Ngauruhoe.
Reviewed By VikkiA102
Cannot sing praises high enough!! I had the most magical day out on a horse trek with Hone, it really is a must do! The trek took us through beeeeaaaaautiful native forest with the added bonus of an exciting river crossing and a picnic in a remote hut. Having never done an off-trail horse trek like this before, I felt it was the perfect balance between being challenging and exhilarating while also feeling perfectly safe under Hones watch and guidance. Hone is an awesome guide and his passion for the horses and knowledge of the area really shines through. His horses are all gorgeous and having the chance to travel through such a pristine forest with them was a dream come true! Thanks a million Hone and Wai - wonderful people and an amazing experience!
4. Manawatu River Pathway
5. Tongariro Northern Circuit
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
Great Walks season is October - April (see website for exact dates). Outside this period facilities are greatly reduced and there are additional safety hazards to consider. Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
Reviewed By miriamviev - Puttershoek, The Netherlands
Amazing hike. Started at the village, then the mangatepopo hut, oturere hut (bit small and crowded) and last but not least the Waihohonu hut (spacious and modern). Had lots of different types of weather but we always had nice views. Loved it!
6. Rangiwahia Hut Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
Reviewed By RobertR616 - Palmerston North, New Zealand
Got up at 3.30 in the morning New years day headed off went through the Rangiwahia way even found a loo open at that time then onto Renfrew road at the end left turn and out of the car to open a gate (please shut them) then on a bit more to another gate thru that and you come to a Toilet very clean and tidy you can park here or drive a little bit further and park next to where you start. Over the fence and you are away very well signposted follow the track climbing as you go,take photos when you can and yes the bridge is fantastic take time to stop and read the information signs, found a seat to sit down and have a drink and to look out at the stunning views and the day l went the was hardly a breath of wind and it was just mesmerizing and all you could hear was the birds and the distant sound of water in the stream and for about 20 minutes l took it all in as if l did not have a care in the world. Off again and before l new it l was at the top and very very still at the top as well with spectacular views.Had my second breakfast and met a few people who had stayed the night and toilets and hut and wood available. Took more photos stayed at the top for about 1 hour and headed back down and heard some rustling in the bush and out jumped a deer just to quick to get a photo though but just amazing to see. And before l new it l was back at the start and did not want to leave but for me it was something l wanted to do alone and did not regret it but next time a buddy would be nice. Believe me if you get the chance to do this don't leave it to long as time passes so quick and l had the perfect day but remember the weather can turn real quick so be prepared and in the winter not for me though. Recommend to do this superb walk and you never know l might even go with you. Went back home the other way through Apiti a nice drive. I had just shorts and T shirt on the whole way as it was so nice but had plenty of gear in my back pack so be prepared.
7. Active Outdoor Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 83 reviews
Active Outdoor Adventures provides a shuttle service to the famous Tongariro Crossing which is considered one of the best one day hikes in New Zealand. 19.4 kilometers or 6-8 hours of pure drama and beauty. Walking over a volcanic landscape & passing colored lakes, springs and steaming vents with outstanding views is what attracts thousands of visitors to the Tongariro National Park on a daily basis during summer. Not only do we transport, we emphasize how important the area is to us as Maori with a bit of cultural history & stories when you depart our shuttle all from genuine local drivers.
Reviewed By codykohler - Hong Kong, China
The best part was the driver who explained a bit of history about the hike and the mountains, also sent us off with a traditional prayer before we exited the van. Be sure to have everything packed before you leave your car (including water) once you enter the van hike is on. The parking lot was convient at the end of the hike,
8. Waitahinga Trails
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By AudsBT
The Waitahinga Trails are located about 12 kms from SH 3, past Bushy Park, inland from Kai Iwi Beach, and are a collection of walks in native bush catering for various fitness levels. There are various walks of different lengths and is a great half day or full day outing in the hinterlands of Whanganui! A short walk to the Taranaki and Ruapehu lookouts lead you to a stunning panoramic view from Mt Egmont to Mt Ruapehu – this alone makes the drive out here worthwhile. Most of the walking trails are under native forest canopy. This forest is a combination of original forest including tawa and rimu and very old regeneration dating back to when the land was purchased in 1903. The ancient looking mahoes on the flatter areas are examples of regeneration. You will follow an old fence line for several kilometres on the longer walks. This fence was built of local totara and the stumps of the trees felled for it are still evident. In places it is hard to believe the fence is over a hundred years old.
9. Mead's Wall
10. Bruce Park Loop Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
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