Distance: 10km one way
Approximate time: 3 - 5 hrs one way
Location: Western end of the Manawatu Gorge or Balance Bridge Road
Driving time from Palmy: 14mins, 16km
Terrain: Quite hilly, uphill then down then up then down!
Track Surface: Very good
Hazards:
- Some drops off the side but very wide track so not too bad!
Suitable for: Anyone who doesn't mind walking up a hill except prams.
Dogs: Not allowed currently due to bait drop
Comments:
- Toilet avaliable at the start
- Ballance bridge cafe near the other end
- Can walk from either direction
- During summer months the Te Apiti Experience Shuttle takes provides a service between either end of the track and town. Tararua Tiki Tours also provide a year round shuttle service based in Woodville.
- A more reasonable alternative to doing the whole thing there and back or sorting out transport is to go up to one of the lookouts and back
Doc Link:
Google map of approximate start location (Ashhurst end):
Tararua Tiki Tours: Track Transport:
Te Apiti Information: