Mangaweka
As the highest point in the 94,000 ha Ruahine Forest Park, Mangaweka makes a great peak bagging destination. A tramp to Mangaweka’s summit will take you over beautiful rolling tussock tops, and through kaikawaka forest, as well as providing extensive views across the northern Ruahines.
| List Status | Official |
| Elevation | 1,731 m (5,679 ft) |
| Location/List | North Island, New Zealand |
| Region | Taranaki/Wanganui/Manawatu |
| Location Coordinates | 39° 49′ 4″ S, 176° 5′ 7″ E |
| Nearest Town/s | Mangaweka
|
| Range | Ruahine Ranges |
| Geology | Sedimentary |
| Translation | manga:stream; weka: wood-hen; ‘creek of the woodhens’ |
| Recommended Route | |
|---|---|
Duration  |
10 hours (return) |
| Distance | 16.3 km (10.1 mi) |
| Start/End Points | Mangakukeke Rd |
| Difficulty |
Hard |
| Track conditions |
Marked Route, Unmarked Route, Mud, Stream/River Crossings |
| Season |
November to April |
| Sights | Views, Forest, Huts , Purity & Kelly Knight Huts, kaikawaka forest. |
| Hazards | Alpine weather, Snow, Mist, High winds |
Google Earth Map
- You can also
view Mangaweka in Google Earth
NZ Topographic Map
Our Recommended Route
The quickest way to the summit of Mangaweka is to depart from the Mangakukeke road end carpark, and follow the marker poles across farmland and up to a spur. You will pass through beech forest, and about 2-3 hours after starting, you will reach Purity Hut (3 bunks).
From Purity Hut, the route emerges above the bushline, and then heads along a spur towards Wooden Peg (1.5 hours). At Wooden Peg, you turn towards the northeast and walk along the relatively flat tussock tops to the summit of Mangaweka, which is only 30 minutes from Wooden Peg. The return journey back to the carpark is of course a little faster.
Although it would be possible to bag Mangaweka in a single 9-10 hour day, it is probably better to make use of Purity Hut or find a camping spot to break the journey.
You should contact the DOC Palmerston North Area Office (+64 6 350 9700) before embarking on this tramp.