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Manawatū-Tararua Highway
11.6 km
2 hours 30 minutes
450 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you have ever driven between Ashhurst and Woodville, you will know the dramatic landscape of the Ruahine and Tararua Ranges well. For years, the connection between these two regions was defined by the rugged beauty of the Manawatū Gorge. Today, a new chapter has begun with the opening of the Te Ahu A Turanga Shared User Pathway. This isn’t just a replacement for a road; it is a world-class recreational asset that invites locals and tourists alike to experience this iconic landscape from a completely new perspective.
Whether you are a keen tramper, a casual Sunday stroller, or a mountain biker looking for a fresh challenge, this pathway offers an immersive journey through a region rich in both natural splendour and cultural significance.
The Te Ahu A Turanga Shared User Pathway is an 11.63-kilometre point-to-point journey that traverses the southern end of the Ruahine Ranges. While the path is purpose-built and well-surfaced, don't let the "shared user" label fool you into thinking it’s a flat city stroll. With an elevation gain of approximately 450 metres, this trail is rated as moderate. You will certainly feel the burn in your calves during the steeper sections, but the reward is more than worth the effort.
Starting from the Ashhurst side, the trail begins with a sense of anticipation. The path is wide and beautifully maintained, winding its way alongside the impressive engineering of the new Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway. However, the designers have done a masterful job of ensuring the trail feels like its own entity. At various points, the path diverges from the road, dipping into valleys and even passing beneath the highway via clever underpasses. This creates a rhythmic experience where one moment you are marveling at modern infrastructure, and the next, you are tucked away in a quiet pocket of regenerating native bush.
As you ascend, the perspective shifts constantly. You’ll look down upon the winding Manawatū River, which has carved its way through these mountains over millennia. To the south, the Tararua Ranges stand like a rugged sentinel. The terrain is a mix of open ridgelines where the wind often whistles through the tussock, and more sheltered areas near the wetlands. It is a fantastic option for families as the path is kid-friendly and provides plenty of space, though parents should be mindful of the distance and the uphill gradients for smaller legs. Please note that to protect the local ecosystem and respect the farming heritage of the surrounding land, this is a no-dogs trail.
Parking is available at the Western Gateway carpark on the Ashhurst side, which also provides access to toilets.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
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
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
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
1.2km away
A local cafe and bakery in Ashhurst.
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Point to point
If you love a good photo opportunity, keep your camera ready. The standout feature of the entire walk is undoubtedly the Parahaki Bridge lookout. Suspended a breathtaking 30 metres above the Manawatū River, this vantage point offers an eagle-eye view of Parahaki Island. Standing here, you can feel the sheer scale of the river corridor and the ancient geological forces that shaped this gap in the mountains.
Another unique aspect of this trail is the proximity to the massive wind turbines that dot the skyline. These "white giants" are a staple of the Manawatū landscape, but seeing them from the highway is nothing compared to standing almost directly beneath them. The rhythmic whoosh-whoosh of the blades provides a modern soundtrack to your hike and offers a sense of scale that is truly humbling.
As you move through the trail, look out for the māhi toi (artworks) and interpretive signage. These aren't just decorative; they tell the stories of the land, the iwi (tribes) who have called this place home for generations, and the deep cultural connection to the river. For those interested in the natural world, the section passing the Eco-Viaduct is a must-see. Here, the trail gives you a front-row seat to unique wetland areas that are being carefully restored, showcasing the project’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Accessing the trail is straightforward, making it a popular choice for a weekend outing. Most visitors choose to start from the Western end.
* Western Gateway Carpark: Located on the Ashhurst side, near the start of the new highway. There is ample parking available here, along with clean public toilets—always a plus before you head out on an 11-kilometre trek. * Transport Tip: Because this is a point-to-point trail, you have a few options. If you are walking with a group, you might consider dropping a "shuttle car" at the Woodville end. Alternatively, many hikers choose to walk to a certain point (like the Parahaki Bridge) and return the same way, or for the truly fit, you can link up with the existing Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge Track to create a massive 20-kilometre loop.
The restoration of the area surrounding the pathway has encouraged a wonderful return of native birdlife. As you move through the regenerating forest sections, keep your ears open for the melodic song of the Korimako (Bellbird) and the loud, distinctive "tui-tui" of the Tūī. These birds are common year-round and are often seen flitting between the flax and flowering kōwhai.
The Pīwakawaka (Fantail) will almost certainly join you for a portion of your walk, dancing through the air to catch the insects disturbed by your footsteps. Look up, and you might see the large, heavy-set Kererū (New Zealand Pigeon) soaring between trees. If you are particularly lucky, keep an eye on the thermals above the ridgelines; the Kārearea (New Zealand Falcon) is an occasional visitor here, identifiable by its rapid, purposeful flight and piercing cry. In the quieter, more established bush patches, listen for the high-pitched "zee-zee" of the Tītipounamu (Rifleman), New Zealand’s smallest bird.
The Te Ahu A Turanga Shared User Pathway is designed to be enjoyed year-round, but each season brings its own character:
* Spring: The hills are a vibrant green, and the kōwhai trees are in bloom, attracting swarms of tūī. The weather can be changeable, so bring a windbreaker. * Summer: Perfect for clear, expansive views. However, the ridgelines are very exposed. Start early (around 7:00 am or 8:00 am) to avoid the midday heat, and pack plenty of water and high-factor sunscreen. * Autumn: Often brings the most stable weather—crisp, clear days with less of the famous Manawatū wind. * Winter: The landscape takes on a moody, dramatic feel. The clouds often hang low over the ranges, and the air is bracing. It’s a great time for a vigorous walk to stay warm, but ensure you have sturdy footwear as some moisture on the path is expected.
The name Te Ahu a Turanga carries deep significance. It refers to the historical pathway used by ancestors, and the project itself has been a landmark collaboration between the government and local iwi. This is not just a road project; it is a restoration of a vital link that respects the mana (prestige) of the Ruahine and Tararua Ranges.
Geologically, the area is fascinating. You are walking across a landscape that is still actively rising. The Manawatū River is one of the few in the world that is "antecedent," meaning the river was there before the mountains rose, and it managed to cut through the range as the land slowly pushed upward. This creates the unique "gorge" topography that defines the region.
After 11 kilometres of mountain air, you’ll likely be looking for a spot to refuel. Luckily, the nearby town of Ashhurst has some fantastic options:
* Ashhurst Inn (1.5km away): This is the quintessential post-hike destination. It’s a licenced restaurant and bar that serves a mix of traditional Kiwi pub fare and German-inspired dishes. The outdoor seating is perfect for soaking up the last of the sun, and the atmosphere is incredibly welcoming to tired hikers. * The Waterford Cafe and Bar (2.5km away): An Irish-themed spot that is great for a hearty meal or a cold pint. It’s a local favourite with a relaxed vibe. * The Local Backyard Cafe & Bakery (1.2km away): If you finish your walk earlier in the day, head here for some of the best pies and cakes in the region. It’s a classic local bakery that hits the spot every time.
The Te Ahu A Turanga Shared User Pathway is more than just a trail; it’s a celebration of the Manawatū’s resilience, engineering prowess, and natural beauty. Whether you’re here for the fitness, the photos, or the fresh air, it’s a journey you won’t soon forget.
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
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
Falco novaeseelandiae
Also known as Kārearea. Fast and agile raptor found in both forest and open country.
Best time: Year-round
Acanthisitta chloris
New Zealand's smallest endemic bird, weighing only about 6 grams, often seen climbing tree trunks in search of insects.
Best time: Year-round
1.5km away
A licensed restaurant and bar offering traditional kiwi and German food options, a welcoming atmosphere, and outdoor seating. Also provides accommodation.
2.5km away
An Irish bar and cafe, suitable for post-hike refreshments.