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

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
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Manganui Public Shelter
Taranaki • 0.2 km
Kapuni Lodge
Taranaki • 1.2 km
Kapuni Lodge is a private hut in the Taranaki region that is available for hire. Non-members pay a fee of $25, and bookings can be made by contacting…
Five Dollar Hut
Taranaki • 1.4 km
Five Dollar Hut is a basic shelter located in the Taranaki region. The provided records do not list specific facilities or details for this hut.
Hooker Shelter
Taranaki • 1.4 km
Hooker Shelter is a hut located in the Taranaki region. The available records provide no further details regarding its specific facilities or location.
Tahurangi Lodge
26 bunks • Taranaki • 2 km
Tahurangi Lodge is a hut located in the Taranaki region of New Zealand. The provided data does not contain further details regarding its specific facilities or…
Walks nearby

Stratford Plateau Lookout
Easiest • 30 min • 0.75 km away

Wilkies Pools Loop Track
Easy • 1 hr 20 min • 1.9 km • 1.5 km away

Curtis Falls Track
Advanced • 2–3 hr return • 2.1 km to Curtis Falls • 1.77 km away

Ridge Loop Track
Easy • 1hr 20 min • 1.9 km • 1.78 km away

Patea Track
Easy • 1 hr 30 min • 2.11 km away
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.