Te Ara Mangawhero: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Mountain bike through the Tongariro National Park including parts of historic tramways.

This DOC directory entry covers Te Ara Mangawhero in Central North Island, within Tongariro National 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: 12.95 km loop
• Walking time: 4 + hrs
• 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

The track starts next to the Ngāti Rangi office, approximately 100 m lower down the Mountain Road than the Mangawhero Forest Walk and Rimu Walk.

Track highlights include:

• Views of Mt Ruapehu

• Bridges spanning the Mangawhero River

• Great track for mountain bike confident families

Phase 2 of the track is still under construction.

The track can be completed in multiple different ways. This track description describes the experience riding from the start of the track, to the top of Phase 1 and the campground loop section.

The overall track climb is 262 m.

Uphill climb to campground loop junction

Distance: 4.2 km one way from start of track to the campground loop track junction

The track climbs through the national park until it meets the Mangawhero Forest Walk. Continue up the track until you reach a track junction sign posted for Tūroa. Turn left and continue up the track through the understory of ferns as you gently climb to the road crossing.

One of the road crossings on Te Ara Mangawhero. Cyclists and walkers need to give way to road traffic.

Take extra care at the road crossing. This is a busy public road with traffic travelling at 80 km/h. Look and listen for approaching traffic before crossing.

The track continues up via the historic tramways and crosses the Mangawhero River. From the bridge, there is a short ride to the campground loop track junction.

Climb to the end of Phase 1

Distance: 2.5 km one way from campground loop junction to the end of the Phase 1 track

From the campground loop junction continue up the track to the end of Phase 1. From the end of the track, you need to turn around to return the way you came.

There is no access from the top of the track to the Ohakune Mountain Road. That will come in Phase 2.

Campground loop section

Distance: 2 km track junction to Ohakune Mountain Road

From the campground loop track junction the track is mostly a descent with some small, steep uphill sections.

The track eventually joins the campground road and passes the Mangawhero Campsite. Watch for vehicles through this section and follow road rules, keeping left. Follow the campground road to the road junction with the Ohakune Mountain Road.

Cross the road and head back into the bush. Then follow the track until you reach the track junction sign posted for Ohakune (approx 300 m).

Note: The track is a shared use track. Keep in control and expect uphill bikers or walkers at all times.

Getting there

The track starts next to the Ngāti Rangi office at the base of the Ohakune Mountain Road.

From Ohakune township follow signage for Tūroa Ski Area for 2 km. The carpark is located on the left before Ohakune Mountain Road continues into the forest.

Know before you go

The track crosses a public road

The track crosses a public road in an 80 km zone. Expect a lot of traffic on this road, especially during winter when the Turoa Ski Field is open.

Take extra care to cross safely. There are barriers and markings on the road to alert both cyclists and drivers to the hazard.

Expect a shared use track with uneven surfaces

Te Ara Mangawhero is a walking track and a Grade 2 mountain biking trail. Expect to encounter walkers and cyclists going in both directions, so go slowly on blind corners and respect other track users.

The track is gravel and can be slippery in some areas. Especially corners as you approach bridges. There are steep sections, narrow bits of track and tight corners. If you are biking, you will need a mountain bike (or mountain e-bike) in good working order – a road bike isn’t suitable for this track.

Part of the campsite loop shares the track with vehicles including campers. Take extra care on this section.

Take extra care - you are biking in a remote area

Take extra care when biking the uneven sections of track. If you get hurt, help can take a long time to reach you as access to parts of the track can be difficult.

In the event of an emergency, track markers will help emergency services locate you. There are KM markers placed along the track at every kilometre. Should you have an accident, report the nearest KM marker number as reference of your location in your 111 call.

Carry a PLB and a charged mobile phone. Mobile phone reception is available on most of the track.

The neighbouring track network is for walking only

There are several tracks that connect to the Te Ara Mangawhero that are walking only. Take note of the signs at place. All tracks are well marked.

No drones

Flying a drone without a permit is strictly prohibited.

Drone use on conservation land

History and culture

The track is rich in cultural and natural history. Read about this on the Mountain to Seas website.

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.