Kaiwhakauka Track Mountain Bike Trail

Whakahoro to Mangapurua/Kaiwhakauka Track junctionWhakahoro to Whanganui National Park BoundaryTime: 2 hr walking, 1 hr cyclingDistance: 5.5 kmFollow the Kaiwhakauka Track along a farm road through Rētaruke Station (private land), following the true right of the Kaiwhakauka Stream to the large stock and pedestrian bridge.Off to the right is the original depot where deliveries from riverboats were stored for the settlers. The track leads up the valley through a mixture of regenerating bush and farmland to the Whanganui National Park boundary. Care should be taken to leave gates as found and not to disturb stock.Whakahoro CampsiteWhakahoro CampsiteCategory: Great WalkFacilities: 36 non-powered / tent sites, boat launching, non-powered/tent sites, shelter for cooking, toilets - non-flush, water from tap - not treated, boil before use, wheelchair accessible with assistanceBookings requiredWhanganui National Park boundary to Mosley’sTime:1 hr 30 min walking,45 min cyclingDistance: 4.4 km Walking from the park boundary you come to the old Mosley homestead site near the Waione Stream. The open clearing here lends itself well to camping. A shelter with water and a toilet is located here.Mosley’s to Mangapurua/Kaiwhakauka junctionTime: 2 hr 30 min walking, 1 hr 15 min cyclingDistance: 5.7 km The track continues towards Cootes’ homestead (private land), crossing many small bridged side streams with only a few small open flats. The old Tobin homestead, which is marked by an old chimney stack, can be seen on the right of the track.From here the steep climb to the junction passes through relatively undisturbed mixed tawa/podocarp forest for about 3.2 km to reach the junction of the old Kaiwhakauka and Mangapurua roads.Ruatītī Road end to Mangapurua/Kaiwhakauka junctionTime: 4 hr 30 min walking, 2 hr cyclingDistance: 10.8 km Accessed from Ruatītī Road, the track climbs gently from the gate at the road end through private farmland, regenerating scrub and pockets of native bush. As you climb into hill country there are stunning views of the Tongariro National Park to the east.A carved tōtara pou has been erected at the track junction to symbolise the ngahere (forest) and provide spiritual and cultural safety for visitors. The pou also pays tribute to the settlers of the Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka Valleys.Source: Department Of ConservationThis old tramping track has been upgraded as part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail project, and now provides a stunning alternative route to the Bridge to Nowhere ride. Consists of 50% old 4WD tracks and 50% single track after you pass into the Whanganui National Park.