Manganui Gorge Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This track takes you to the Manganui Gorge suspension bridge then on to the ski field. On a clear day this walk provides great views of North Taranaki and up the coastline.

This DOC directory entry covers Manganui Gorge Track in Taranaki, within East Egmont area. 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: 20 min one way to bridge and further 5-10 min to ski field
• DOC grade: Easy

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

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

This track begins at the top end of Plateau car park. Walk up the access road toward the suspension bridge and ski field. At the flying fox there are good views of the Manganui Gorge and the summit of Taranaki Maunga.

Allow 20 minutes to walk uphill to the bridge (approximately 900 m) and a further 5-10 minutes (a further 300 m) to the ski field.

The track is in the alpine environment and exposed to the weather, it is rocky and uneven in places and can be very icy in winter conditions. There are some big drop offs along the way so please supervise children. In strong winds it may be unsafe to cross the bridge, be prepared to turn back.

From the ski field the track continues as the high level summer Around the Mountain Circuit.

Manganui Gorge suspension bridge

The 100-metre bridge sits 49.5 metres above the gorge floor. It is designed for a lifespan of 100 years and to withstand the sub-alpine harsh environment, including strong winds and changeable weather conditions experienced in the Manganui Gorge. The stunning balustrade panels were designed by Ngāti Ruanui and depict the various phases of avalanches.

Getting there

Access to the east side of Taranaki Maunga is via Pembroke Road which leads directly to the park boundary from the northern end of Stratford township.

The road climbs through popdocarp/broadleaf forest and then the montane forest, reaching the accommodation centre of the Ngāti Ruanui Stratford Mountain House. The road winds its way another 3km to the road end car park at The Plateau (1172 m) where there are superb views of the surrounding countryside.

Know before you go

Be prepared for changeable weather

Weather on the mountain changes rapidly – you must be well prepared with suitable clothing and equipment for all weather and conditions.

Snow, high rainfall and storm damage can make tracks impassable – many rivers and streams are unbridged.

Check the Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki weather forecast before you go.

The Stratford Plateau carpark is 1100 m above sea level – it can get very cold rapidly. Come prepared.

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.