Te Ara Mangawhero

Trail open

This trail is still a being tweaked as we create an awesome trail... connect to our socials to be of updates.

Discover the beauty of the Te Ara Mangawhero Trail, a 29.4km section of the Mountains to Sea - Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride. First section to open is an 12.95 km loop track linking to Ohakune Old Coach Road.

For those riding the Ohakune Mountain Road (Grade 3), you can join this trail further down at the marked crossing.

This scenic trail weaves through parts of the historic Bennett and Punch bush tramway and the Ohakune water catchment, offering stunning views of Mt Ruapehu.

As you journey along the trail, you’ll explore landscapes rich in cultural significance to Ngāti Rangi and traverse the Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO Dual World Heritage site. Perfect for cyclists and walkers alike, this trail provides a unique connection to the natural and cultural heritage of Ruapehu.

Highlights

spectacular views of Mt Ruapehu
connections to the cultural heritage of Ngāti Rangi
regenerating native bush and wildlife
discover the volcanic geology
historic Bennett and Punch bush tramway relics
connect to the ngahere (forest) riding and walking
family friendly

This community trail is supported by Ngāti Rangi.

History & Background

The Te Ara Mangawhero Trail is deeply rooted in the cultural and natural history of the Ruapehu region. The trail follows sections of the historic Bennett and Punch bush tramway, originally used to transport timber through the dense forests of the area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The tramway played a significant role in the local economy, helping shape the growth of nearby settlements like Ohakune. Over time, as logging operations slowed and conservation efforts increased, the tramway fell into disuse, and the land began its gradual return to nature. Today, remnants of this historic tramway are still visible along the trail, providing a glimpse into the area's industrious past.

Te Ara Mangawhero also holds significant cultural importance for Ngāti Rangi, the iwi of the Ruapehu region. The trail winds through lands that have long been part of the iwi's rohe (territory), with Mt Ruapehu itself being a sacred ancestor to the Ngāti Rangi people. The Mangawhero Stream, which runs alongside much of the trail, is another vital cultural landmark, embodying deep spiritual and environmental connections for the iwi. The trail is part of the Tongariro National Park, a Dual World Heritage site recognized for both its natural beauty and its importance to Māori culture. This trail now offers not only an outdoor adventure but also an opportunity for visitors to connect with the land's rich history and cultural significance.

Trail Route

Your journey begins at the base of Ohakune Mountain Road, where the remnants of an old village can be seen, including fragments of a pharmacy and cooking utensils. As you progress, keep an eye out for the iconic colonial buildings across the paddocks, once bustling around the train stations at the start of the adjoining Ohakune Old Coach Road.

The trail gently ascends through the forest, crossing small bridges and weaving through the ngahere. You’ll briefly join the Mangawhero Forest Walk (share with care) before navigating across the road to rejoin a well-preserved section of the Bennett and Punch Tramway. This part of the trail travels through dense bush to a new bridge built upon the original piles of a historic multi-span bridge.

At a junction, turning right will lead you through wetlands and regenerating tussocks, a reminder of the forest once cleared for logging. Even today, you’ll notice old stumps and remnants of iron pins from tramway sleepers scattered along the path.

The final section takes you over a 19-metre bridge, offering views of both the mountain and the surrounding bush. While the trail currently ends here, future plans aim to extend it towards the Massey University Alpine Club hut (MUAC), just below the Tūroa skifield. For now, you can continue by road—be sure to have good brakes for the descent.

As you head downhill, you’ll pass the Ohakune water intake, glide over bridges, and traverse regenerating bush, eventually reaching a DOC campsite and facilities. The loop reconnects with the original track, taking you back to the start.