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Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 8 - 10 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Ruahine Forest Park
- Dog access
- Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Take a strenuous day hike and enjoy the spectacular scenery from the tops of the Ngamoko Range in the Ruahine Forest Park.
This DOC directory entry covers Knights-Shorts Loop Track in Manawatu-Whanganui, within Ruahine Forest Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 8 - 10 hr
- DOC grade: Advanced
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
From the carpark follow the poled route across the farmland to the forest edge and down to cross Makiekie (Coal) Creek for the first time. Depending on the amount of rain you may end up with wet feet at this crossing. The track then climbs steeply for a short time up onto a river plateau. There is a very short loop track off to the left - Te Ngahere o Tane - which rejoins the main track a few minutes further along. Just past this is a track junction. Take the left track (Knights Track) and after a further 20 min walking meet Makiekie Creek for the second time. This is an ideal spot for a picnic and a paddle.
Cross the creek here and then climb steeply through forest for approximately one hour before reaching open shrubland. From here the hard work is rewarded with great views all the way onto the top of the Ngamoko Range (a further 1 hr 30 min - 2 hr). Poles mark the junction where the route heads south along the range. Return to the carpark via Shorts Track which heads down an open ridge before descending back into forest. The low level link track from Knights Track joins in below the bushline. Follow Shorts Track back to the main junction with Knights Track and on out to the carpark.
This is a strenuous all day hike and due to travel on the open tops this hike should not be attempted in poor visibility or bad weather.
The forest here is an interesting mix of conifer and broadleaved species and beech forest. Access to the Ngamoko Range and over to the Pohangina Valley attracts hunters and trampers to this area. Nearby Sixtus Lodge is used by school groups who often use the local tracks for outdoor recreation. A small privately covenanted bush area on Limestone Road gives access to some wonderful glowworm grottos.
Getting there
Turn right onto Apiti Road just past the village of Kimbolton. This becomes Oroua Valley Road before Apiti. Table Flat Road turns off to the right past Apiti. Follow this until you see the signpost for Limestone Road (veer to the right near the end of Table Flat Road). Wind along Limestone Road till you get to the DOC carpark at the end.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
