Mangaone

Kapiti Coast, Wellington, New Zealand

Flat walk through Kaitawa bush following a river through Waikanae back country

Easy

Foot

Mangaone walkway (previously called Reikorangi track) follows an old bush tramway. The walk is mostly flat with gentle gradients. The DOC signs say 3 hours for the 8 km walk (fit people will complete the walk in about 2 hours). There are three main sections:

1. Starting at Mangaone south road where there is a good carpark and information sign. The river crossing has been replaced by a swing bridge and a second wooden bridge, so you no longer get your feet wet. There is then a 30 - 45 minute walk through Kaitawa scenic bush reserve.

2. Emerging from the bush is a large open grassy area near the river. A great picnic spot in summer. This is Te Horo clearing. The track is well marked across the grassland.

3. At the end of the clearing you join a wide 4WD track leading to Mangaone north road. There is forest on both sides and the track goes gently uphill.

In winter parts of the track can be a bit wet and muddy. The track through Kaitawa reserve has good bridges, but there are a couple of small streams to cross along the route. There are a couple of dwellings at the north end of Te Horo clearing - farm dogs, chickens, and a guy living in an old removals van.

Te Horo Clearing - grassy picnic area near the stream

River near Mangaone South car park (there is now a wooden bridge so you can cross without getting your feet wet)

The best carpark is on Mangaone south road. At Waikanae traffic lights take the route inland towards the Akatarawa's, turning off to Reikorangi about 7 km down the road. Passing Reikorangi pottery, a few hundred metres down Ngatiawa Road turn left on the Mangaone South Road and drive to the end and park in the carpark.

For Mangaone north, turn inland at Te Horo crossroads 9 km north of Waikanae. Go past the school and follow the signs to Mangaone walkway along Hautere-Cross Road, then turn right on to Mangaone north road and follow it to the end. The last 4 km are narrow, windy and unsealed. There is a small carpark at this end.

Whilst it would be easy to cycle the route, bicycles are not allowed.

Note that you will need transport at both ends, or plan to return along the same route (16 km round trip). Allow 3-4 hours (DOC sign says 3 hours each way, but this is conservative).

There are no toilets at either end or along the route. Nearest toilets and refreshments at Reikorangi Pottery and Cafe on Ngatiawa Road.

7.44km

4wd

144m 192m 106m 129m

12 Mar 2011 by ledzep

ledzep