Mangaone ReturnBeginner - Intermediate
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, small hills only
Native bushPlantation/exotic forestOpen farmlands
Beginner - Intermediate
2:30 (Slow)
1:45 (Moderate)
1:05 (Fast)
-8.3%
+8.6%
The northern section of the Mangaone Walkway has been closed due to legal access issues. Please respect the closure until it can be resolved. The southern section of the walkway remains open. This is a long term DOC alert.
First published on 15 December 2021. Last reviewed on 29 March 2022.
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Description
The track is straightforward to follow. From the southern end stick left and you'll soon enter Kaitawa Scenic Reserve following a well marked and formed track. When it opens out into farmland, follow the track markings and 4WD track. There is a reasonable climb up and down to the start of the northern end of the track using a well gravelled farm road, finishing at a large gate. Turn around here and head back the way you came.
Trail Community
Features of interest
The run follows the Mangaone Walkway along an old bush tramway making for generally easy gradients and a wide track (except for the occasional short sharp uphill where the track has been rerouted due to damage), and is made up of two parts. In the southern end you run through historically milled regenerating native podocarp forest which is lush and damp. In the northern end you cross a mixture of farm land, pine forest, and pockets of regenerating native forest along a rough farm road.
More info here: http://www.doc.govt.nz/Documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/wellington/mangaone-factsheet-071119.pdf
Make Up of Run
Easy Single Track: 60%
Farm Road / 4WD Track: 40%
Route Data
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Access
At Waikanae township, follow the signs towards the Akatarawa Saddle across the railway lines at the traffic lights into Elizabeth St which eventually turns into Reikorangi Rd. After 4.6km, turn left into Ngatiawa Rd just before the church and left again into Mangaone South Rd. The car park is about 5km at the end of this road and approximately 20mins from Waikanae.
Alternatively you can start at the northern end turning off at Te Horo across the railway line onto School Rd, left into Te Horo Hautere Cross Rd, and right into Mangaone North Rd. The start of the track is signposted at the end of this road.The southern and northern main car parks are at isolated road ends with a few houses near by. Although it's probably safe, use common sense and don't leave valuables in plain sight. There are information boards at both ends of the track. There is no public transport.
11 km
16 minutes
Yes
No
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Staying Safe
Easy.
At the start of the southern section make sure to stay left. A section of the Te Araroa trail heads off/joins from the right heading up to Pukeatua and over to Otaki Forks, but both trails are well marked.
Very patchy.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map.
Take water from home, although there is plenty of water along the route it'd be sensible to treat it before drinking due to the surrounding farmland.
Can be a bit muddy in winter and after heavy rain.
Although this is an easy trail, due to poor cellphone coverage, make sure someone knows your intentions in case you hurt yourself. On sunny weekends there will be plenty of others about, but you don't want to spend a night out here as it'll be VERY cold in the valley.
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See other runs nearby:
The Whole Hemi
Kapakapanui Loop
Renata Ridge - Kaitoke
Big Circuit Run
Akatawara Saddle to Otaki Forks
