Manawatū-WhanganuiNature & Landscapes

Manawatū Gorge

A dramatic gorge carved by the Manawatū River as it cuts directly through the ranges dividing the region, now traced by a walking and mountain biking track above the water.

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Manawatū Gorge

Quick Facts

Region
Manawatū-Whanganui, North Island
Best time
Year-round
Entry fee
Free
Duration
2–4 hours

Overview

The Manawatū Gorge (Te Āpiti) is one of New Zealand's more unusual geological features: rather than flowing around the Ruahine and Tararua ranges, the Manawatū River cuts directly through them, carving a steep-sided gorge that long served as the main transport link between Palmerston North and the Tararua district.

Since the old gorge road closed permanently in 2017 due to slip damage, the corridor has been progressively reopened as a walking and mountain biking track, giving a quieter way to experience the gorge than the traffic that once ran through it. The ridgelines above are also home to one of New Zealand's largest wind farms, visible from several viewpoints.

Things To Do

  • Gorge walkway — a track tracing the river through the gorge, with several access points and lookouts.
  • Ridgeline tracks — steeper walks climbing to viewpoints above the gorge and nearby wind farm.
  • Mountain biking — dedicated trails through the gorge corridor for a range of skill levels.
  • Bird watching — the gorge is a Department of Conservation reserve with good native bird presence.
  • Wind farm viewpoints — several of NZ's largest wind farms sit on the ranges either side of the gorge.
Tip: Access points and track conditions have changed since the old road closed — check the Department of Conservation's current track status before visiting, as sections are periodically closed for slip repairs.

Getting There

The gorge is about 15 minutes' drive from Palmerston North, with access points near Ashhurst on the western side. There's parking at the main track entrances.

LocationManawatū Gorge, near Ashhurst, Manawatū-Whanganui
Opening HoursAccessible dawn to dusk daily
Entry FeeFree
Duration2–4 hours
AccessibilityTracks range from easy riverside walking to steep ridgeline climbs

Nearby Attractions

Bridge to Nowhere

Bridge to Nowhere

A remote 1930s bridge deep in Whanganui National Park, reached by jet boat.

Palmerston North

Palmerston North

The region's largest city, home to Te Manawa Museum and a lively student population.

Ashhurst

Ashhurst

The small town at the gorge's western entrance, the usual access point.

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