Manawatu-Wanganui

Manawatu-Wanganui is a large, loosely populated region on the North Island of New Zealand. It includes the cities and towns of Levin, Ohakune, Palmerston North, Taumarunui, Whakapapa Village, and Whanganui, as well as two national parks: Whanganui National Park and Tongariro National Park. One of the premier day hikes in the region is Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which is renowned as one of the greatest single day treks in the world.

Tracks in Manawatu-Wanganui

This collection of walking tracks (hiking trails) in the Manawatu-Wanganui Region of New Zealand is listed from north to south and may be sorted alphabetically or by distance to help you pick your next outing. Each track links to its own report complete with photos, maps, directions, and all the other information needed to locate and enjoy these hikes.

Trail	Description	Distance	Location
180	Tongariro Alpine Crossing This through-hike ventures across dynamic volcanic landscapes in Tongariro National Park and ranks among the world's greatest day hikes.	19.4 km 1125 meters	-39.144398, 175.580942
183	Tawhai Falls This out and back return hike visits a short but enticing single-drop waterfall near Whakapapa Village in Tongariro National Park.	0.8 km 40 meters	-39.175314, 175.5136
185	Taranaki Falls This loop crosses a variety of volcano-influenced landscapes to reach a beautiful 20-meter tall waterfall in Tongariro National Park.	6.45 km 115 meters	-39.19955, 175.5429
187	Silica Rapids This track leaves from Whakapapa Village in Tongariro National Park and crosses alpine bogs, forests, streams, and ridges of volcanic rock to reach creamy cascades on silica terraces.	5.15 - 7.15 km 190 meters	-39.2036, 175.54015
195	Mangawhero Falls This short, easy hike leads to a viewpoint for a 25-meter tall waterfall below Mount Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park.	0.3 km 10 meters	-39.319218, 175.502732
196	Waitonga Falls This out and back return hike reaches Tongariro National Park's tallest waterfall and passes through an alpine wetland that reflect views of Mount Ruapehu.	4 km 110 meters	-39.32958, 175.49579
198	Rimu Walk This short, level walk explores a Rimu forest along the Mangawhero River near the town of Ohakune at the south end of Tongariro National Park.	0.8 km 8 meters	-39.39984, 175.41498
200	Lake Rotokura This out and back return hike reaches a peaceful blue lake that reflects a view of Mount Ruapehu, the tallest mountain on the North Island.	2 km 75 meters	-39.437782, 175.519195
250	Whitecliffs Boulders This walk goes through sheep pastures and down cliffs by the Rangitikei River to a small forest filled with large spherical boulders that are quite unique.	4.1 km 140 meters	-39.8483, 175.7664

Camping in Manawatu-Wanganui

Many places to camp can be found all over New Zealand, including Department of Conservation campgrounds and holiday parks that are usually run privately. Holiday Parks offer powered sites where campervans and RVs can plug in. They also offer kitchens and dining areas, bathrooms with showers, and other amenities. Most Department of Conservation campgrounds are fairly basic, but some offer extra amenities as well. There are also huts for backpacks throughout New Zealand’s parks. Pricing in New Zealand is done per person and not per site. Checkout time is typically 10 a.m. and you can check in in the afternoon.

	Mangawhero Campground This campground in Tongariro National Park near Ohakuna, New Zealand has twelves sites on two loops with views of Mount Ruapehu.
	Whakapapa Holiday Park This holiday park in Whakapapa Village offers tent sites, campervan sites, cabins, and a backpackers lodge along a stream below Mount Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park.

Lodging in Manawatu-Wanganui

There are nice places to stay throughout the Manawatu-Wanganui Region.

Rathmoy Lodge This lodge along the Rangitikei River is in a beautiful country setting that is private, elegant, and comfortable. Relax in and around the lodge, go for a swim, or tackle one of the area’s adventures.