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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -40.85855, 175.15518. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 6 km one way
- Walking time
- 3 hr one way
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Waikanae area
- Dog access
- No dogs. 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
Mangaone Walkway follows an old bush tramway in low hill country east of Waikanae. It was historically known as Reikorangi Track.
This DOC directory entry covers Mangaone Walkway in Wellington, within Waikanae 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: 6 km one way
- Walking time: 3 hr one way
- 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.
Mangaone north road closure; First published on 28 September 2026.
Mangaone Track closed at north end; First published on 5 January 2026. Last reviewed on 29 July 2026.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Mangaone Walkway follows an old bush tramway in low hill country east of Waikanae. It was historically known as Reikorangi Track. The southern half follows the Waikanae River through Kaitawa Scenic Reserve, which protects previously milled podocarp forest.
Streams at the southern end are usually easy to ford, but expect to get wet feet. The northern section crosses farmland, following a farm road for part of the distance.
The track is easy and well-formed and suitable for people of most ages and fitness levels.
Getting there
The track links Mangaone South Road with Mangaone North Road. Mangaone South Road runs off Ngatiawa Road, 8 km south-east from Waikanae. Mangaone North Road runs off Te Horo Hautere Cross Road from Te Horo, 9 km north of Waikanae.
Know before you go
Parking is provided at both ends of the walkway. Arrange transport from the point of exit.
Do not stray from the marked track where it crosses private farmland. Do not disturb stock.
No cycling.
Nature and conservation
The regenerating forest in Kaitawa Scenic Reserve features spires of rewarewa trees which will eventually be replaced by the original tall canopy trees; rimu, rata, kahikatea, matai, and miro.
Five species of tree fern line the track: katote, wheki, wheki-ponga, ponga, and mamaku. Ground ferns and delicate filmy ferns on tree trunks are also prominent along the track.
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.
