Description

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.

Make Up of Run

Moderate Single Track: 25%

Gravel Road: 50%

Sealed Road: 25%

Route Data