Rangitikei District: Trails, Art and History

In Rangitikei District, experiences range from a drive-and-cycle route with expansive views to sections along a black sand beach, forest trails and museums. You can plan your stay around whether you want to experience landscapes, outdoor activities, art or local history most of all.

Routes, Water and Views

The Gentle Annie runs from Taihape to Hawke's Bay and is a drive-and-cycle route. It offers 360-degree views and plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the landscape of the upper Rangitikei District. As road and route conditions can change, check them before setting out. Another route section is Te Araroa – Whanganui – Bulls: the trail runs for four kilometres along a black sand beach to the settlement of Koitiata.

Visitors can enjoy Dudding Lake near Marton during the day. A two-kilometre trail runs around the water; swimming, boating, jet skiing and water skiing are also possible. Check current operating and water conditions before your visit. At Rangatira Golf Club near Mangaweka, the focus is an 18-hole, three-level course with views of the Rangitīkei River. The facility also has an electric cableway, said to be the only one of its kind in New Zealand. Near the village of Mangaweka, Awastone is a river adventure company run by the Eames family.

Natural Areas and Walking Times

Hihitahi Forest Sanctuary near Taihape offers a three-hour trail to Seke's Hut through forest and stands of mountain cedar (kaikawaka). The hut sleeps four; along the way, there are views of the plateau landscape and Ruapehu. Paengaroa Scenic Reserve near Taihape is home to many rare species. The area also has more plants with a divaricating growth form than any similarly sized area in New Zealand.

Tutaenui Reserve near Marton has a permanent orienteering course with easy, intermediate and difficult routes. Mangaweka Scenic Reserve offers a short loop trail for children, with views over the terraces of the Rangitikei River. At Bruce Park near Hunterville, children can earn a Kiwi Guardians medal. There is also an easy trail through a remnant of podocarp and broadleaf forest; attractions include long-tailed bats, large native trees and fungi.

Near Hunterville, two reserves provide specific walking times: McPherson's Bush has three trails taking 10 minutes, 30 minutes and one hour. Pryce's Rahui Reserve also has three trails, with walking times ranging from 20 minutes to one hour; combined, they take 1.5 to 2 hours. In Marton, the Marton Memorial Park Walkway is a loop trail behind Marton Memorial Park that takes about 20 minutes.

History, Art and Visitor Information

Built in 1904, Mangaweka Bridge is a road bridge over the Rangitīkei River and is considered New Zealand's only remaining cantilever road bridge. Bulls Museum presents the history of settlers in the Bulls District, from the earliest settlers to the present day. Marton Historic Village has museum buildings from the early settler period, with historical furniture, household appliances, war relics and other material relating to local history.

At Marton Memorial Park, landscaped garden paths pass memorial trees. These honour members of the British royal family as well as important local dates and historical events. Memorial statues commemorate those who fell in the First and Second World Wars, the South African War and other conflicts. In Taihape, the Gumboot Statue is made of Number 8 wire and corrugated iron. Several Māori storage pits have been found in the wooded section of the north-facing cliff at Sutherland-Puriri Reserve.

The Wear-a-Bull Arts Event takes place annually in Bulls. The art and fashion show celebrates local artistic expression, creativity and craftsmanship. Mangaweka Yellow Church Gallery on State Highway 1 hosts the biennial FAKES & FORGERIES exhibitions. Hunterville Settlers Museum comprises a collection of local buildings, including a barn, a blacksmith's shop and Roper Cottage. Check opening arrangements for the gallery and museum before visiting; check the date of the next FAKES & FORGERIES exhibition separately.

The Rangitīkei Information Centres in Bulls, Marton and Taihape provide visitors and locals with local and regional information. They also offer souvenirs, maps and public toilets.

Discover more destinations: Taihape, Hunterville, Horowhenua District, Ruapehu District, Palmerston North City, Wanganui District, Tararua District, Manawatu District.

For the broader travel overview: Manawatu-Wanganui.