Best bird watching trails in Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand
Explore the most popular bird watching trails in Manawatu-Wanganui with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.
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Top trails (28)
Tongariro Alpine Crossing with Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe
#1 - Tongariro Alpine Crossing with Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe
Tongariro National Parkhard
(82)
(82)Length: 16.6 mi • Est. 10 h 3 m
To experience what many people call the "World's Greatest Day Hike" you will need no permits, however, transportation arrangements must be made for both ends of the hike, so make sure you do some planning! You must also be mindful of shuttle pick-up times if you decide to summit Mt. Tongariro or Mt. Ngauruhoe (both cannot be done within the same day) as outlined here. There are sections of the hike that are considered active volcano areas.
For the version of this hike without summiting Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe, see here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/new-zealand/manawatu-wanganui-region/tongariro-alpine-crossing
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Tongariro Northern Circuit
#2 - Tongariro Northern Circuit
Tongariro National Parkhard
(62)
(62)Length: 39.2 mi • Est. Multi-day
Located in the heart of North Island in Tongariro National Park. A volcanic park full of unique lunar landscapes, old craters, lakes and steaming hot pools.
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/central-north-island/places/tongariro-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/tongariro-northern-circuit/Show more
Ruapehu Crater Lake
#3 - Ruapehu Crater Lake
Tongariro National Parkhard(18)
(18)Length: 7.3 mi • Est. 5 h 18 m
Great track. Very tough climb! Bring gloves to protect your hands from the rocks.Show more
Blue Lake via Tongariro Alpine Crossing
#4 - Blue Lake via Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Tongariro National Parkhard(25)
(25)Length: 12.5 mi • Est. 7 h 13 m
Take care of the loose rock when hiking on this trail. Show more
Lake Rotopounamu Loop
#5 - Lake Rotopounamu Loop
Tongariro National Parkeasy(45)
(45)Length: 3.5 mi • Est. 1 h 50 m
Beautiful walk! Flat with a good chance to see native birds. The small carpark is on the side of the road right in front of the track, so drive slowly otherwise you'll pass it.
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/central-north-island/places/tongariro-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/rotopounamu-track/Show more
Sledge, Arapuke, Back Track
#6 - Sledge, Arapuke, Back Track
Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealandmoderate(31)
(31)Length: 6.1 mi • Est. 3 h 22 m
This loop track begins at the Kahuterawa car park at the end of Kahuterawa Road. This road is accessed from State Highway 57 (Old West Road) near Palmerston Road. The walking route begins by going up the Kahuterawa Stream for about 2.5 km. Take the swing bridge across the stream and head steeply up hill to the Arapuke Road. Follow this road to the Scott's Road car park. Then descend on the gently graded Back Track to the beginning of the walk. Note: there are several other excellent walks starting and finishing at the car park. Show more
Manawatu Gorge to Tom's Lookout Loop
#7 - Manawatu Gorge to Tom's Lookout Loop
Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealandmoderate(35)
(35)Length: 2.5 mi • Est. 1 h 27 m
Waitonga Falls Trail
#8 - Waitonga Falls Trail
Ohakune, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealandmoderate(28)
(28)Length: 2.4 mi • Est. 1 h 20 m
Blue Lake and Red Crater Trail
#9 - Blue Lake and Red Crater Trail
Tongariro National Parkhard(6)
(6)Length: 13.9 mi • Est. 8 h 22 m
Enjoy the beautiful views from the top and of the lakes. Be careful of your footing on the loose rock.Show more
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