Mangahao Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Tramp up the picturesque Mangahao River from Mangahao Upper No 1 Reservoir to Mangahao Flats Hut.

This DOC directory entry covers Mangahao Track in Wellington, within Tararua 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: 6-7 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 allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Mangahao Flats Track begins at the Mangahao Upper No 1 Reservoir. The track leads around the side of the reservoir then up the Mangahao river valley to Mangahao Flats Hut.

There are multiple unbridged crossings on this track, so it needs good river crossing skills. Do not cross if the river or streams are flooded, or if you aren’t confident that you can cross safely. Dry weather and low river flows are the best conditions for this track.

Getting there

Access to the track is by road off SH57 at Shannon. Follow the road signs to the Mangaore Power Village for approximately 5 km and past the Mangahao Hydro Electric Power Station.

A very winding metal road will take you for at least 30 minutes past the smaller Tokomaru No 3 reservoir and the Mangahao No 2 reservoir before arriving at the Top No 1 Reservoir dam.

Be aware of the power station traffic.

Know before you go

Plan extra time in case the track takes longer than expected

Mangahao Flats Track is a typical Tararua backcountry tramping track. It is rough and uneven, and you can expect to be scrambling up and over tree roots. It can be very slippery and muddy, with steep sections.

It may take longer than expected, so plan your day with plenty of daylight hours to spare. Pack a torch and spare batteries.

You could be delayed by flooding, so carry an emergency shelter and spare food.

Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely

NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows

Pack for bad weather

The Tararua Forest Park is well known for wild, fast-changing and unpredictable weather.

Always check the weather forecast. Pack warm and waterproof clothing, even if the forecast is good.

Carry emergency equipment including a torch, spare food, a distress beacon and an emergency shelter.

Find a tramping packing list here

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.