Last Updated: 15th Apr 2024
Tawa Loop - Manawatu Gorge
Palmerston North, Manawatu - Wanganui
Submitted by Tim Carpenter
Last Updated: 15th Apr 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 8 ?
Gnarl Factor: 50 ?
3.4km
220m
220m
287m
Last Updated: 15th Apr 2024
Palmerston North, Manawatu - Wanganui
Submitted by Tim Carpenter
Last Updated: 15th Apr 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 8 ?
Gnarl Factor: 50 ?
3.4km
220m
220m
287m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Very hilly
Native bush
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +13.4%
Average Downhill Gradient: -15.3%
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1:00
Slow
0:35
Moderate
0:20
Fast
From the car park head along the track next to the main road, and then cross under the road at the bridge.
Follow the track around until the junction and choose a direction (loop can be done both ways).
Follow the track to the top and follow signs to complete the downhill loop.
To extend, instead of starting down, continue straight up the track and you can run through to the Woodville end of the gorge, or complete laps of the loop for hill reps.
There is also the lookout down to the 'Big Slip'.
At the top of the loop there is a large metal Maori statue with history of the area.
Great piece of native bush, good for spotting Kereru
Plenty of parking is available
17 km
18 minutes
No
No
Easy.
Generally good.
Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Take your own
Normal exposure to the elements
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Tawa Loop - Manawatu Gorge
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SH
Awesome everyday run, easily run to and from Ashhurst. Can get busy during weekends and public holidays but if you go early enough you can miss the crowds. A firm fave for me.
May 12, 2021
We did this one a few years back, combining two outdoors fun pursuits with one- geocaching and trails
March 21, 2020
WW
RD
The Gorge Track is fantastic rain or shine as it's entirely bush clad and sheltered. The Tawa Loop is great if you are pushed for time - personally I prefer clockwise as its consistently uphill to the "Statue", then downhill is broken up by a couple of rises. Can always carry on back up from the junction, about 4 min from the carpark, good for the head space (and leg pain) to go from downhill straight back to hills! For a 45 min 10km runner it's approx 14-16 min to the Statue and 10-12 min back to the carpark
January 4, 2020
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