Burttons Track

Point to point

Highlights & Must-See Features

Burtton's Whare Site Perhaps the most evocative part of the walk is the historical site of Burtton's Whare. Jim Burtton was a pioneer who carved this route through the bush almost a century ago. Standing at the site of his former dwelling, you get a real sense of the grit and determination required to live in such a remote area in the early 1900s. It’s a fantastic spot for a snack break and a moment of reflection.

Ancient Podocarp Forest While the initial sections of the walk are through plantation and regenerating scrub, the heart of the Tararua Forest Park contains some of the most beautiful mature bush in the region. Look up and admire the towering Rimu and Matai—these giants have stood here long before the roads were even a thought.

The Tokomaru River The river sections are wild and pristine. The water is crystal clear, and the sound of the river accompanying you through the valley is incredibly peaceful. The stream crossings add a bit of an "adventure" element to the hike, though they do require a bit of caution after rain.

Western Vistas The views from the high points of the track are some of the best in the Shannon area. Looking out over the Kaihinau and the gorge gives you a real perspective on the scale of the landscape you are traversing.

Getting There

Because Burttons Track is a point-to-point walk, you’ll need to do a bit of logistics planning. Most hikers drop one car at the Shannon end and drive another to the start, or arrange for a friend to pick them up.

Northern End (Start): Head to the Scotts Road carpark at the entrance to Gordon Kear Forest. To get there from Palmerston North, follow the signs toward the Kahuterawa Valley. Important Note: Do not park on the forest road itself where there is a locked gate. There is a high risk of your vehicle being towed or damaged by forestry machinery. Stick to the designated carpark.

Southern End (Finish): The track ends at a carpark just off Mangahao Road, near Shannon. This is a well-known area for mountain bikers and hikers alike, so there is usually plenty of space, but it can get busy on sunny weekends.

Wildlife Spotting

The Tararua Forest Park is a haven for native birdlife. Because you are deep in the bush, you are likely to hear them before you see them.

• Tūī and Bellbird (Korimako): These are common throughout the year. Listen for their melodic, bell-like calls echoing through the canopy.
• New Zealand Fantail (Pīwakawaka): These friendly little birds will likely follow you for a portion of the walk, darting around to catch the insects your boots kick up from the leaf litter.
• Kererū: Keep an eye out for the heavy-set New Zealand Pigeon. You’ll often hear the distinctive "whoosh-whoosh" of their wings before they land in a nearby tree.
• Rifleman (Tītitipounamu): Look closely at the tree trunks for New Zealand’s smallest bird. They are fast-moving and tiny, but a joy to spot.
• The Rare Kākā: If you are lucky, you might hear the harsh, screeching call of the Kākā (large forest parrot). They are rare in this area but are known to frequent the deeper parts of the park.

Top Tip: The best time for bird spotting is early morning. If you can get onto the trail just as the sun is coming up, the "dawn chorus" in the podocarp forest is something you won't soon forget.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

Best Seasons: Spring, Summer, and Autumn are your best bets. In Spring, the forest is vibrant and the birdlife is most active. Summer provides the driest track conditions (though "dry" is a relative term here—expect mud year-round!). Autumn offers cooler temperatures for that big 624-metre climb and often very stable weather.

• Start Early: With a 6-hour walking time, you want to give yourself plenty of daylight. Aim to be on the trail by 9:00 am at the latest.
• Check the Weather: This is an unbridged backcountry route. The stream crossings, particularly No. 1 Stream, can become impassable and dangerous after heavy rain. If the forecast calls for a downpour, save this walk for another day.
• Gear Up: You need sturdy hiking boots with good grip for the muddy sections and roots. Pack a waterproof jacket (the weather in the Tararuas can change in minutes), a first-aid kit, and plenty of high-energy food.
• No Cell Service: Don't rely on your phone for navigation or emergencies. There is very little to no coverage. We highly recommend carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) and downloading offline maps.
• Dog Friendly: Your four-legged friends are welcome! Just ensure they are fit enough for a 17km trek and keep them under control, especially around other hikers and mountain bikers on the shared sections. It is not kid-friendly due to the distance and technical terrain.

Local & Regional Context

Burttons Track is steeped in the history of the Manawatū. Long before it was a recreational playground, it was a vital link for early settlers. Jim Burtton, the track's namesake, was a fascinating character who moved to the area in 1911. He spent years maintaining this route, which originally served as a pack track.

The track also follows segments of the old Tokomaru Valley Road. Walking here, you are literally stepping back in time, following in the footsteps of the pioneers who attempted to tame this rugged landscape. Today, the area is a vital part of the Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand's long-distance walking route that stretches from Cape Reinga to Bluff. When you hike here, you’re sharing the path with "thru-hikers" from all over the world.

After the Walk

After six hours on your feet, you’ll be craving some proper Kiwi hospitality.

If you finish at the Shannon end, head into the Shannon township. The Horse and Hound is a local favourite for a cold drink and a classic pub meal—perfect for refueling those tired legs. If you’re after a caffeine hit and a slice of cake, The Caffeine Fix on the main street is a great spot to relax and scroll through your photos from the day.

If you’re heading back toward Palmerston North, the Summerhill area has several great cafes and eateries where you can grab a gourmet burger or a flat white to celebrate your successful crossing of Burttons Track.