Manawatu Gorge Track

This car park can be used to access the western end of the scenic 10km walking track in forest on the southern side of the Manawatu Gorge. It will take 3 to 5 hrs. and unless you want to walk back again you will need to arrange transport from the Woodville end where the track emerges near the Balance bridge. The gorge is notable because it is a rare example of a river crossing a range from east to west. "From either end the track climbs steadily (and steeply in places) before levelling out for a spell high above the gorge. Five viewpoints along the way give spectacular views of the river, road, railway, reserve and nearby windfarms." If you want a shorter walk there are two loop tracks at the eastern end of the gorge. The DOC website provides a fact-sheet with maps of the track routes.