Middle - Ruatiti Road Connector

Middle-Ruatiti road connects Ohakune Old Coach Road and Mangapurua tracks. A mix of quiet rural gravel and tar sealed roads, this pathway connects you from the Tongariro National Park mountains and takes you around the edge of the Erua forest and into the edge of the Whanganui National Park.

Tracing the edge of the Mangaonui o te Ao river (home to an active population of the fascinating Whio and tributary of Te Awa o Whanganui) and traversing through established sheep and beef farms, studded with hives from an active Manuka Honey industry, it is a sometimes challenging but overall descending ride.

Camping is available at Ruatiti Domain, and backpacker - lodge stay options near the track junction at Ruatiti Station

Highlights

beautiful rural landscapes
views of Tongariro's volcanoes
quiet country roads
super-scenic Manganui-o-te-ao River

Connecting from Ohakune Old Coach Road safely across SH1

Keep an eye out for the signs taking you back down the railway line (through a couple of gates) behind the hall and across the well-marked crossing towards "Scott Base". Travel down the gravel path before turning right into Hutiwai Road and then left into Harore Rd. Keep an eye out for the signs that take you down the grass track exiting right onto Middle Road.

M2SNZ Route Notes:

This is a great gravel ride. If you are time poor or just want the highlights, then our Official Trail Partner shuttle operators run regular trips up the valley - so they can take you, your bikes and/or your gear.