Tourist information about Ruahine Forest Park New Zealand. Ruahine Forest Park is a popular attraction, stretching almost 100 kilometres from the Taruarau River in the north, to the Manawatu Gorge in the south. Ruahine Forest Park is divided into Western Ruahine Forest Park in Manawatu, and Eastern Ruahine Forest Park located in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. Ruahine Forest Park covers about 94,000 hectares and is one of a number of small mountain ranges that form the spine of the North Island.
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A Walk in Ruahine Forest Park

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Ruahine Forest Park, Manawatu, New Zealand
Ruahine Forest Park
Manawatu
Photographer: Rob Suisted
(www.naturespic.com)

Ruahine Forest Park stretches almost 100 kilometres from the Taruarau River in the north, to the Manawatu Gorge in the south. Western Ruahine Forest Park is located in the Manawatu region, and Eastern Ruahine Forest Park is located in the Hawke's Bay region, New Zealand.

Ruahine Forest Park covers about 94,000 hectares and is one of a number of small mountain ranges that form the spine of the North Island.

The range offers some wonderful forest and alpine walks for those wanting somewhere away from the standard tourist trips.

The range lies on an active fault line and is being constantly uplifted by geological activity.

The central and northern Ruahine range are a hikers and hunters delight. Clear rivers, attractive beech forest and alpine tops make for some fascinating walks.

You can access the park from Taihape or Mangaweka.

Ruahine Forest Park Activities

Ruahine Forest Park offers considerable recreational opportunities including:

Eastern Ruahine Forest Park, Manawatu, New Zealand
Eastern Ruahine Forest Park
Manawatu, New Zealand
  • Tramping
  • Hunting (with permit)
  • Cross country skiing
  • Kayaking, rafting, canoeing
  • Mountain biking
  • Four wheel driving, trail biking
  • Fishing
  • Swimming
  • Camping
  • Scenic drives

Ruahine Forest Park Accommodation

There is a network of huts available for accommodation throughout the Ruahine Forest Park, including Rangiwahia Hut located on the site of an old skifield. Rangiwahia Hut offers spectacular views across the countryside to Mt Taranaki and the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park.

Kumeti Campsite offers camping grounds and some limited facilities in Eastern Ruahine Forest Park.

Ruahine Forest Park Conservation

Ruahine Forest Park is managed by the Department of Conservation. Some things to remember include:

  • Dogs are permitted only with permit on the eastern side of the forest
  • Camp only in designated areas
  • Take your rubbish away with you
  • Do not remove or disturb any artifacts or other historic remains
  • Do not light fires

» Manawatu Regional Information

» Manawatu Travel Directory

» Tramping, Hiking and Guided Walks Directory

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