Manawatu Gorge

You can start the track from the Woodville or Ashhurst end.

Use caution when walking the section of track from Ashhurst carpark, between SH3 and the river. Beware of the sharp drop-off to the river.

From either end the track climbs steadily (and steeply in places) before levelling out for a spell high above the gorge. Five viewpoints along the way give spectacular views of the river, road, railway, reserve and turbines at nearby windfarms.

After climbing up from the Woodville end, the Upper Gorge Bridge track gives an alternative route back down to SH3. This return track takes between 1 hr 30 min to 2 hr. Transport needs to be arranged as this track finishes at a different place to the start.

If you choose to walk for an hour, turn around and come out the same way, it is recommended that you start from the Ashhurst (western) end.

A shorter 4 km loop option is available at the western end of the track.