Mangahao Track
WalkManawatū-Whanganui
- Grade
- Advanced
- Walking time
- 7 hr
- Distance
- 11.4 km
- Dogs
- Under control
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzAccess to the track is by road off SH57 at Shannon. Follow the road signs to the Mangaore Power Village for approximately 5 km and past the Mangahao Hydro Electric Power Station.
A very winding metal road will take you for at least 30 minutes past the smaller Tokomaru No 3 reservoir and the Mangahao No 2 reservoir before arriving at the Top No 1 Reservoir dam.
Be aware of the power station traffic.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 40.65926° S, 175.46549° E
About this place
Tramp up the picturesque Mangahao River from Mangahao Upper No 1 Reservoir to Mangahao Flats Hut.
The route
Mangahao Flats Track begins at the Mangahao Upper No 1 Reservoir. The track leads around the side of the reservoir then up the Mangahao river valley to Mangahao Flats Hut. There are multiple unbridged crossings on this track, so it needs good river crossing skills. Do not cross if the river or streams are flooded, or if you aren’t confident that you can cross safely. Dry weather and low river flows are the best conditions for this track.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Know before you go
Plan extra time in case the track takes longer than expected
Mangahao Flats Track is a typical Tararua backcountry tramping track. It is rough and uneven, and you can expect to be scrambling up and over tree roots. It can be very slippery and muddy, with steep sections. It may take longer than expected, so plan your day with plenty of daylight hours to spare. Pack a torch and spare batteries. You could be delayed by flooding, so carry an emergency shelter and spare food.
Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross. Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out. How to cross rivers safely NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows
Pack for bad weather
The Tararua Forest Park is well known for wild, fast-changing and unpredictable weather. Always check the weather forecast . Pack warm and waterproof clothing, even if the forecast is good. Carry emergency equipment including a torch, spare food, a distress beacon and an emergency shelter. Find a tramping packing list here
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Mangahao Flats Hut
Standard • 16 bunks • Manawatū-Whanganui • 4.4 km
Mangahao Flats Hut is a standard 16-bunk hut located in the Kapiti region.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Mangahao-Makahika Track Start
Manawatū-Whanganui • 5.5 km
Mangahao-Makahika Track Start is a campsite located in the Manawatū-Whanganui region. It serves as the starting point for the Mangahao-Makahika Track.
Herepai Hut
Standard • 10 bunks • Manawatū-Whanganui • 6.1 km
Herepai Hut is a standard 10-bunk hut located in the Wairarapa region.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Dundas Hut
Standard • 6 bunks • Wellington • 6.4 km
Dundas Hut is a standard six-bunk hut located in the Wairarapa region.
Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
North Ohau Hut
Basic/bivvies • 4 bunks • Manawatū-Whanganui • 6.8 km
North Ohau Hut is a basic four-bunk hut located in the Kapiti area.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Walks nearby
Notes from people who have been
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Sources
- DOC Tracks (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).