Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate - Experienced

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I've done it Done

Northern Tararua Traverse

Palmerston North, Manawatu - Wanganui

Submitted by Tim Carpenter

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate - Experienced

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I've done it Done

Closed More info

Nov 2019: Due to construction of the new wind farm on South Range road there is strictly no access to South range in order to complete this run

Please notify us if this has changed.

Grunt Factor: 63 ?

Gnarl Factor: 17 ?

71.0km

2170m

2112m

612m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

25%
50%
25%

Sealed Road

Gravel Road

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +7.7%

Average Downhill Gradient: -7.2%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

Not suitable

Slow

10:00

Moderate

8:00

Fast

This is a traverse of the northern-most section of the Tararua's, finishing with the Manawatu Gorge Track.

Start at Fitzherbert Ave Bridge, and run out of town on SH54, before turning Left into Old West Road, and then Right onto Kahutarewa Road. Follow Kahutewara Road to the end. This is where the seal finishes and single trail begins. Continue onto the L) side trail of the sledge track, continuing for around 2.8km until turning L) up the hill to The Elevation and Hardies Park. It is approximately 400m climb up The Elevation.

Once at the top, turn R) at Toe Toe Junction, and continue along the trail (marked with Orange triangles) until reaching a large rocky outcrop and a LARGE triangle pointing to the R). This is after crossing the 2 Toe Toe swampy sections and having a steady uphill. This brings you onto South Range Road, turn R) and continue on the gravel road for 15km (you will have to climb the gate at 12km along the road, as area is closed to traffic due to being Palmerston North Water Catchment Area), and reach the Pahiatua Track, before crossing onto the North Range Road.

The gravel road continues, undulating wtih puddles and mud, until you reach the 5km downhill of Hall Block Road. At the bottom cross to Beyond the Bridge Cafe [NOW CLOSED] and then continue toward Woodville, reaching the signs for the Manawatu Gorge Track. Climb up and over the 11km of single track to finish at the carpark on the Ashhurst end of the Gorge to finish. If you want to keep going, it is another 15km along limestone and sealed pathways to complete the Northern Tararua Loop.

This trail includes the peak Marima.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

4 km

8 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

When on the single track of Toe Toe Loop, pay attention to where you are going and to the Big Triangle needed for exit to South Range Road

Patchy.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

There is no water available until 2/3 along North Range Road (~50km in) on the L) side of road, with water tank present.
At top of Gorge Track (sign posted windmill) there is a long drop which has a water tank attached to it.
Carry plenty of you own!

Can be cold and exposed along the ridge lines.

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Trail Reviews

Currently part of this trail is closed, (South Range Road).

I often run the North Range Road from the Pahiatua Track back to Ashhurst which is awesome (about 37km)

Sam Howard

January 27, 2022

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Overlapping Trails

These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.

North Range Road Traverse

North Range Road Traverse

Length: 23.6km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Manawatu Gorge Track

Manawatu Gorge Track

Length: 21.0km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

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