Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The tramp is covered by
NZTopo50 BL36
(Norsewood). DOC's
Western Ruahine Forest
Park
brochure is also helpful as it details other walks in the area.
HUTS
(
www.doc.govt.nz;
$5)
. Obtain hut tickets from Palmerston North i-SITE (
Click here
)
or DOC
Visitor Centres nationwide.
INFORMATION
The very helpful Palmerston North i-SITE can supply information about the Ruahines, help
arrange transport and sell hut tickets.
8
Getting to/from the Tramp
From Palmerston North head northwest on SH3 and then northeast on SH54. At the hamlet
of Rangiwahia turn right onto Te Parapara Rd. Within 4km turn left on Renfrew Rd and fol-
low it for 5km to its eastern end, where there is a car park and information board.
There is no regular public transport to Ruahine Forest Park, but you shouldn't have too
much trouble hooking up with a ride. Palmerston North-based
Pathfinder Tours
( 0275
827 113, 0800 766 623;
www.pathfindertours.co.nz;
min 2 people $160)
services the Rangiwahia
trailhead. Failing that, enquire at the i-SITE.
The Tramp
Day 1: Rangiwahia Car Park to Rangiwahia Hut
3 HOURS, 4KM, 470M ASCENT
A well-benched track departs the car park and begins ascending through beech forest,
passing some impressive red beech along the way. Within 10 minutes you're walking along
the side of the steep Mangahuia Valley, enjoying views of the
Whanahuia Range
.
Around 2km from the car park, an impressive arched wooden bridge crosses a deep nar-
row gorge. This is the third bridge to have been constructed over the gorge. An earlier one,
dating from the 1930s, can be seen dangling from the sides of the gorge below.
Beyond the bridge the ascent becomes steep, and occasionally you have to scramble over
large boulders and grab tree roots. The track climbs to the head of a gully marked by a beau-
