Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Mangaone Return
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Grunt Factor: 16
Gnarl Factor: 14
14.0km
420m
420m
285m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Grunt Factor: 16
Gnarl Factor: 14
14.0km
420m
420m
285m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, small hills only
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Open farmlands
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +8.6%
Average Downhill Gradient: -8.3%
Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.
2:30
Slow
1:45
Moderate
1:05
Fast
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.
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
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
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.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Mangaone Return
As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.
Already have an account? Login now
Beautiful bush track for the first (Waikanae) half, following the Waikanae river. A few bridges and a couple of decent stream crossings to wash your shoes off. Would be a lovely spot in summer.The 4WD track was fine to run on but a lot steeper than I was expecting. Definitely felt like a decent workout.
June 21, 2020
I walk/run this trail weekly with two of my clients dogs. I start from the Northern end and it can be quite unsafe especially in logging truck season.
July 31, 2019
Loved the southern section of the track but wasnt keen on the northern section - was one of the very rare times that I felt uncomfortable running alone.
May 17, 2019
Half and half here... half sublime trail through native Bush, half 4wd road. Still a very pleasant afternoon!
February 28, 2019
The Wild Things Trail Directory is proudly supported by 
Send to your phone
Scan the below QR code to open this trail on your phone.
Tip: position the QR code in your phone camera screen.
