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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: -39.80940, 175.78242. 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
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 1 hr
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Mangaweka Scenic Reserve
- 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
Enjoy great views over the Rangitikei River terraces on this short loop walk.
This DOC directory entry covers Mangaweka Scenic Reserve Track in Manawatu-Whanganui, within Mangaweka Scenic Reserve. 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: 1 hr
- 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 is a great short walk and the track is easy to follow. Although there are some steep parts it is within most people’s capabilities.
At the first big kahikatea, look left and you’ll see an open, grassy area providing stunning views out across the Mangaweka river terraces and the cliffs cradling the Rangitikei River, to the Ruahine Ranges.
Further on, the track heads into forest with large matai, rimu, tawa and titoki trees.
Getting there
From Mangaweka, drive south and turn right onto Te Kapua Road. Follow this for about 600 m until you reach a little off-road carpark by a farm gate on the right-hand side of the road. The track begins on the other side of the road, so beware of traffic.
Know before you go
The track can be slippery and boggy when it is wet.
Rocks fall on the track. Follow signage and do not stop between the rockfall signs.
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.
