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Shannon
15 km
7 hours
635 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a day out that truly captures the wild, rugged spirit of the Tararua Ranges, look no further than the Mangahao Makahika Track. Located just behind the township of Shannon, this 15-kilometre journey is a classic slice of New Zealand backcountry. It is a challenging, "boots-on" kind of trail that forms a vital link in the Te Araroa Trail—the great walk that spans the length of the country.
Whether you are a local looking to test your fitness or a visitor wanting to experience the "real" New Zealand bush, this track delivers in spades. It’s a point-to-point adventure that takes you through ancient forests, across unbridged streams, and along high ridges with views that will make every drop of sweat worth it. Grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s walk through what makes this trail a must-do for any experienced hiker.
The Mangahao Makahika Track isn’t just a walk in the park; it’s a full-immersion experience in the Tararua Forest Park. Most hikers choose to tackle this as a one-way trip starting from the northern end at Mangahao Road and finishing at Poulton Drive. Why? Because the gradients are a little kinder this way, allowing you to tackle the steepest sections on the descent rather than hauling yourself up them.
The journey begins with a sudden plunge. One minute you’re at your car, and the next, you’re enveloped in lush, dense native bush. The first section of the track takes you onto a low spur where an orientation sign sets the scene. Almost immediately, you’ll find yourself looking up in awe at magnificent, mature rimu trees. These giants are survivors; they escaped the logger’s axe during the early 20th century and now stand as ancient sentinels over the forest floor.
As you head south, the terrain demands your full attention. This is a backcountry tramping track, which means you should expect plenty of mud, tangled tree roots, and the occasional scramble. You’ll navigate three tributaries of Blackwood Stream, named for the dark-barked black beech trees that line the banks. These crossings are unbridged, so be prepared to get your feet wet—it’s all part of the Tararua charm! This is also your last chance to top up your water bottles until much later in the day, so make sure you’ve got enough to see you through the climb.
Parking is available at both ends of the track. The northern trailhead starts from a small parking area on Mangahao Road, approximately 400 metres past the Tararua Forest Park sign. The southern trailhead concludes at the Poulton Drive car park. Assistance for transport to and from the road ends or vehicle drop-off can be arranged through the Shannon Progressive Association (contactable via Owlcatraz). [2, 3, 7, 8, 20]
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Nestor meridionalis
Large forest parrot found in native bush. Loud and social, increasingly common in predator-controlled sanctuaries.
Best time: Year-round
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Point to point
From the streams, the track begins its steady ascent. You’ll move through areas of regenerating mānuka—a sign of the land’s history as former farmland—before hitting the Makahika Ridge. This is the literal high point of your day, reaching elevations of up to 671 metres. Walking along the spine of the ridge, the forest occasionally opens up to reveal breathtaking vistas. To the west, you can trace the line of the Mangaore Stream, and on a clear day, the silhouette of Kāpiti Island sits proudly on the horizon. If you’re really lucky and the air is crisp, you might even spot the jagged peaks of the South Island across the Cook Strait.
After about three to four hours, you’ll reach the Horowhenua Lookout. It’s a perfect spot for a well-earned lunch, complete with seating and panoramic views across the Manawatū plains and Shannon. From here, the track begins its 350-metre descent. You’ll pass the Kāpiti Viewpoint (also known as Archey’s Lookout) before joining the historic Makahika tramline. This part of the walk feels like stepping back in history, as you follow the benched track once used for logging. The final stretch involves several crossings of the Makahika Stream and a poled route through private farmland before you emerge at the Poulton Drive car park, likely tired, perhaps a bit muddy, but certainly invigorated.
The Mangahao Makahika Track is packed with standout features that make the seven-hour effort feel like a privilege:
This is a point-to-point track, so logistics require a bit of planning.
Northern Trailhead (Start): From Shannon, follow Mangahao Road into the hills. You’ll pass the Tararua Forest Park sign; continue for another 400 metres to find a small parking area where the track begins.
Southern Trailhead (Finish): The track ends at the Poulton Drive car park, which is accessed via Gladstone Road, just south of Levin.
Transport Tips: Unless you have two cars and a very helpful friend to do a key swap, you might need a shuttle. The Shannon Progressive Association (contactable via the folks at Owlcatraz in Shannon) can often help arrange transport or vehicle drop-offs, which makes the logistics of this point-to-point walk much easier.
The Tararuas are a stronghold for native birdlife, and the Mangahao Makahika Track is no exception. Keep your ears open for the melodic, bell-like notes of the bellbird (korimako) and the complex, soulful song of the tūī.
The kererū (New Zealand pigeon) is a common sight here; you’ll often hear them before you see them, thanks to the heavy "whoosh-whoosh" of their wings as they fly between fruit-bearing trees. Fantails (pīwakawaka) will likely follow you along the trail, flitting about to catch the insects your boots stir up from the leaf litter.
If you are quiet and observant, you might spot the petite tomtit or the social whitehead. While rare, the raucous call of the kākā (forest parrot) has been known to echo through these valleys—so keep your eyes on the canopy!
The Mangahao Makahika Track is open year-round, but your experience will change dramatically with the seasons.
The area around Shannon and the Makahika valley is steeped in history. For Māori, the Tararua Range is a place of great spiritual significance, often associated with stories of the explorer Hau and the naming of the regional rivers.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, this area became a hub for the timber industry. The very path you walk on follows parts of the old tramlines used to haul massive logs out of the bush to the sawmills. The site of a former sawmill near the Poulton Drive end serves as a silent reminder of the hardy workers who once lived and toiled in these dense forests.
Today, the track is a symbol of conservation and recreation, maintained by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and cherished by the Te Araroa community. It represents the successful transition of the land from industrial logging back to a regenerating wilderness that we can all enjoy.
After seven hours on your feet, you’ll be dreaming of a cold drink and a hearty meal. Head back into Shannon to refuel.
The Mangahao Makahika Track is more than just a trail; it’s a physical challenge that connects you to the history and the heart of the Horowhenua. It’s tough, it’s muddy, and it’s absolutely spectacular. See you out there!
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Mohoua albicilla
Whiteheads are social, insectivorous forest birds, often seen foraging in noisy flocks high in the canopy of native forests. [6, 20, 21]
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round