Manganui Gorge Track

WalkTaranaki

Grade
Easy
Walking time
10 min
Dogs
No dogs

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.nz

Access to the east side of Taranaki Maunga is via Pembroke Road which leads directly to the park boundary from the northern end of Stratford township.

The road climbs through popdocarp/broadleaf forest and then the montane forest, reaching the accommodation centre of the Ngāti Ruanui Stratford Mountain House. The road winds its way another 3km to the road end car park at The Plateau (1172 m) where there are superb views of the surrounding countryside.

Access to the east side of Taranaki Maunga is via Pembroke Road which leads directly to the park boundary from the northern end of Stratford township.

The road climbs through popdocarp/broadleaf forest and then the montane forest, reaching the accommodation centre of the Ngāti Ruanui Stratford Mountain House. The road winds its way another 3km to the road end car park at The Plateau (1172 m) where there are superb views of the surrounding countryside.

Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.

Map and tracks

Loading map

Track lines: DOC Te Papa Atawhai. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 39.30569° S, 174.09216° E

Manganui Gorge Track, walk in Taranaki
Photo and data: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai.

About this place

This track takes you to the Manganui Gorge suspension bridge then on to the ski field. On a clear day this walk provides great views of North Taranaki and up the coastline.

The route

This track begins at the top end of Plateau car park. Walk up the access road toward the suspension bridge and ski field. At the flying fox there are good views of the Manganui Gorge and the summit of Taranaki Maunga. Allow 20 minutes to walk uphill to the bridge (approximately 900 m) and a further 5-10 minutes (a further 300 m) to the ski field. The track is in the alpine environment and exposed to the weather, it is rocky and uneven in places and can be very icy in winter conditions. There are some big drop offs along the way so please supervise children. In strong winds it may be unsafe to cross the bridge, be prepared to turn back. From the ski field the track continues as the high level summer Around the Mountain Circuit.

Manganui Gorge suspension bridge

The 100-metre bridge sits 49.5 metres above the gorge floor. It is designed for a lifespan of 100 years and to withstand the sub-alpine harsh environment, including strong winds and changeable weather conditions experienced in the Manganui Gorge. The stunning balustrade panels were designed by Ngāti Ruanui and depict the various phases of avalanches.

Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.

Know before you go

Be prepared for changeable weather

Weather on the mountain changes rapidly – you must be well prepared with suitable clothing and equipment for all weather and conditions. Snow, high rainfall and storm damage can make tracks impassable – many rivers and streams are unbridged. Check the Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki weather forecast before you go.

Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.

Joins these tracks

Around the Mountain CircuitAdvanced • 52 km • 4–5 days loop

Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.

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).
  • OpenStreetMap Trails · ODbL (Open Database License)Contains information from OpenStreetMap, made available under the ODbL.