Walk
Explore Te Āpiti at your own pace through a network of walking tracks that reveal the natural beauty, history and stories of this protected scenic reserve.
Whether you're looking for a gentle 15-minute stroll, a family-friendly loop, or a more challenging half-day hike, there are walks to suit a range of ages, interests and fitness levels.
Along the way, you'll discover native forest, wetlands, steep greywacke ranges and sweeping views across the gorge and surrounding countryside. Much of the area is covered in tawa and podocarp forest, alongside broadleaved trees and nikau palms that contribute to the rich biodiversity of this unique landscape.
Listen for the calls of tūī and bellbirds, learn about the plants and wildlife that call this place home, and uncover the stories that have shaped Te Āpiti for generations. Throughout the area, mahi toi and information kiosks provide insights into the region's rich Māori history, cultural significance and unique natural environment.
Every track offers a different perspective on Te Āpiti, inviting you to slow down, explore and connect with a landscape shaped by nature and people.
TE ĀPITI WALKING TRACK OPTIONS
The Tawa Loop track
Looking for a shorter walk that still captures the essence of Te Āpiti? The Tawa Loop Track offers an opportunity to experience native forest, rich history and the unique landscape of the gorge without committing to the full Manawatū Gorge Track.
The track follows a steady 5% gradient, although some sections are steep and can be challenging. The loop branches off the Manawatū Gorge Track, around 500 metres from the start of the walk.
At the halfway point, you'll encounter the six-metre-tall sculpture of Whātonga, the explorer and ancestor whose story is closely connected to Te Āpiti and its cultural heritage. Take a moment to learn more about Whātonga and the significance of this landscape before completing the loop and returning to the Western Gateway carpark at the Ashhurst end.
Before or after your walk, stop by the Gorge Quarter Store beside the Western Gateway car park and enjoy coffee, ice cream or a snack.
Type: Walk | Loop
Distance: 4km
Time: 2 hours approx.
Fitness Level: Medium
Manawatū Gorge Track (full length)
The main walking track stretches 11.2km one way, taking you through native bush and high above the Manawatū River and gorge.
Along the way, the calls of tūī, bellbirds and other native birds accompany your journey through the forest. Five lookout points offer elevated views across the landscape, revealing different perspectives of Te Āpiti and its surrounding environment.
From the river and railway below to the reserves, ranges and iconic wind farms beyond, the track provides an opportunity to experience the scale, beauty and diversity of this remarkable landscape.
Type: Walk | One-way
Distance: 11.2 km
Time: 3-5 hours one way.
Fitness Level: Medium
Upper Gorge Bridge Track
Starting at the Upper Gorge Bridge on the old main road near Woodville, this track offers a shorter way to experience the native bush, birdlife and scenery of the Manawatū Gorge Track.
The route includes some steep climbs and rewards walkers with elevated views across the Manawatū River and surrounding landscape. If you're looking for a more challenging walk but are short on time, this track is a rewarding option.
Type: Walk | One-way
Distance: 4km
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours approx.
Fitness Level: Medium
Manawatū Gorge Loop Track
If you're looking for a shorter walk or exploring with people who can’t manage a long walk, this loop track is an easy and accessible option.
Located at the Woodville end of the gorge, the track winds through native bush. It offers a gentle walking experience with no steps, making it suitable for pushchairs.
A playground and toilet are located just across the road from the carpark in Balance Domain, making this track an ideal destination for young families.
Type: Walk | Loop-track
Distance: 1.2km
Time: 15 – 30 minutes approx.
Fitness Level: Easy
Te Ahu a Turanga - Western Tracks
Originally created for construction crews, these tracks have been repurposed as a walking and cycling network that combines modern infrastructure with the natural landscapes of Te Āpiti.
The Western Tracks can be accessed beneath the Saddle Road bridge at the Pohangina River access point, or via the Eco-Viaduct bridge from the Te Ahu a Turanga Shared User Path. Both entry points connect to a network of paths that weave through the western side of the area.
Along the route, walkers and cyclists can enjoy views across the surrounding landscape, as well as close-up access to the wetlands beneath the Eco-Viaduct. These wetlands support native plant species including swamp maire and raupō, creating a distinctive environment beneath one of the region's largest structures.
The tracks also connect with the highway's shared walking and cycling path and lead to a western lookout, offering a variety of route options for those wanting to explore further.
The approach from the Saddle Road bridge includes a steep section, and there are two short stair sections along the route — one beneath the Eco-Viaduct on the shared path, and another on the western track — required due to the natural terrain and gradients.
Type: Walk and Bike | Loop-tracks
Time: 15 – 30 minutes approx.
Fitness Level: Moderate
Te Ahu a Turanga - Shared Pathway
Originally created for construction crews, these tracks have been repurposed as a walking and cycling network that combines modern infrastructure with the natural landscapes of Te Āpiti.
The Western Tracks can be accessed beneath the Saddle Road bridge at the Pohangina River access point, or via the Eco-Viaduct bridge from the Te Ahu a Turanga Shared User Path. Both entry points connect to a network of paths that weave through the western side of the area.
Along the route, walkers and cyclists can enjoy views across the surrounding landscape, as well as close-up access to the wetlands beneath the Eco-Viaduct. These wetlands support native plant species including swamp maire and raupō, creating a distinctive environment beneath one of the region's largest structures.
The tracks also connect with the highway's shared walking and cycling path and lead to a western lookout, offering a variety of route options for those wanting to explore further.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended. The approach from the Saddle Road bridge includes a steep section, and there are two short stair sections along the route — one beneath the Eco-Viaduct on the shared path, and another on the western track — required due to the natural terrain and gradients.
Type: Walk | Bike one way
Distance: 10.5km
Fitness Level: Moderate - High
Protecting the tracks
Stay Safe and Be Prepared
Even if you’re only planning a short excursion it pays to be prepared.
Your safety is your responsibility
Te Apiti tracks vary from sealed pathways out in the open, to remote backcountry forested tracks that require appropriate footware, fitness and greater preparedness.
Before your next trip, make sure you know the conditions of the track you plan to take and what you will need to be prepared for.
Read and understand The Outdoor Safety Code and tell someone your plans.