Yeoman's Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This forest track follows an old route where logs were once hauled to Yeoman’s Mill. It is open to walkers and mountain bikers.

This DOC directory entry covers Yeoman's Track in Manawatu-Whanganui, within Ruahine 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: 3 hr 30 min - 4 hr 30 min
• 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.

• Predator control for Ruahine Forest Park – north-east Ruahine; First published on 7 January 2026. Last reviewed on 6 October 2026.

• Gwavas Forest access closed; First published on 28 August 2025. Last reviewed on 17 August 2026.

• Yeoman's Track closed; First published on 31 March 2023. Last reviewed on 10 August 2026.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

This is a low level forest walking track following an old route where logs were once hauled to Yeoman’s Mill. The mill started in 1926 and ran for 30 years. It handled over 50 million feet of podocarp logs and at the height of its production employed 18 staff. The track gives an interesting insight into forest regeneration since logging ceased in the 1960’s.

The restored historic Ellis Hut is at the northern end of the track. It was constructed in 1884 and is the oldest surviving hut in the park. It is also known as Murderer’s Hut after it was used as a refuge by accused murderer, Jack Ellis, for nine months in 1904. A round trip can be made along Ellis and Wakarara Roads back to the road end at Makaroro River.

If you are biking the Yeoman's Track, it is easier to ride from the Ellis Hut end. It is grade 3, suitable for experienced riders.

Mountain biking

Yeoman's Track is an intermediate grade. It has several sharp, steep climbs, is narrow in places and can be very muddy with deep ruts at times.

Allow at least 45 mins to reach Ellis Hut and 30 minutes to return to the carpark. The 17 km loop takes 2 - 3 hours.

Getting there

Yeomans Track can be accessed from the Wakarara Road End. This is approximately 75 km from Napier. Turn onto Wakarara Road from SH50 and follow for approximately 26.5 km to the end of Wakarara Road.

There is no vehicle access to the Ruahine Forest Park from the Wakarara Roadend. You will need to cross the Makaroro River.

From the carpark, follow a poled route (marked with orange track markers) along the farmers fence line and through a paddock down to the river.

Know before you go

Caution: All tracks from this roadend require a crossing of the Makaroro River or a walk up the riverbed. It is dangerous to attempt to cross the river when the water level is higher than normal.

These roads are through private commercial forest and are for foot and mountain bike access only. Take care of logging trucks and forestry workers which frequently use these roads.

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.