Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Atene Viewpoint Walk &
Atene Skyline Track
TRAMPING
At Atene, on the Whanganui River Rd about 22km north of the SH4 junction, you can
tackle the short Atene Viewpoint Walk, about a one-hour ascent. The track travels
through native bush and farmland along a 1959 roadway built by the former Ministry of
Works and Development during investigations for a Whanganui River hydroelectric
scheme (a dam was proposed at Atene that would have flooded the river valley almost as
far as Taumarunui). Expect great views across the national park.
From the Viewpoint Walk you can continue along the circular 18km Atene Skyline
Track. The track takes six to eight hours, showcasing native forest, sandstone bluffs and
the
Taumata Trig
(523m), with its broad views as far as Mt Ruapehu, Mt Taranaki and
the Tasman Sea. The track ends back on the Whanganui River Rd, 2km downstream
from the starting point.
Matemateaonga Track
TRAMPING
Three to four days from end to end, the 42km Matemateaonga Track gets kudos as one of
NZ's best walks. Probably due to its remoteness, it doesn't attract the hordes of trampers
that amass on NZ's more famous tracks. Penetrating deep into wild bush and hill country,
it follows the crest of the Matemateaonga Range along the route of the Whakaihuwaka
Rd, started in 1911 to create a more direct link from Stratford to the railway at Raetihi.
WWI interrupted planning and the road was never finished.
On a clear day, a 1½-hour side trip to the top of
Mt Humphries
(730m) rewards you
with sigh-inducing views all the way to Mt Taranaki and the volcanoes of Tongariro.
There's a steep section between the Whanganui River (75m above sea level) and the
Puketotara Hut (427m above sea level), but mostly it's easy walking. There are four
DOC backcountry huts along the way: Omaru (eight bunks), Pouri (12 bunks), Ngapurua
(10 bunks) and Puketotara (12 bunks); hut tickets cost $15 per person per night. There's
road access at the track's western end.
Mangapurua/Kaiwhakauka Track
TRAMPING
The Mangapurua/Kaiwhakauka Track is a 40km trail between Whakahoro and the
Mangapurua Landing, both on the Whanganui River. The track runs along the
Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka Streams (both Whanganui River tributaries). Between
these valleys a side track leads to the 663m
Mangapurua Trig
, the area's highest point,
from which cloudless views extend to the Tongariro and Egmont National Park volca-
noes. The route also passes the Bridge to Nowhere (
Click here
)
. Walking the track takes
20 hours (three to four days). The Whakahoro Bunkroom at the Whakahoro end of the
track is the only hut ($10), but there's plenty of good camping (free to $10). There's road
