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Western Ruahine Forest Park

Manawatu/Whanganui region

Purity Hut.

Purity Hut, Ruahine Forest Park.

Map highlighting the Manawatu/Whanganui region of New Zealand.

The Ruahine Forest Park covers an area of 94,000 ha which consists of tussock tops, craggy peaks, bush covered ranges and picturesque rivers. It offers considerable recreational opportunities including tramping, hunting, cross country skiing, kayaking, fishing, swimming and camping. There is a network of tracks and huts.

Location

The forest park stretches almost 100 km from the Taruarau River in the north to the Manawatu Gorge in the South.

Features

During the 1930s the rounded open top of the Whanahuia Range in Ruahine Forest Park beckoned to ski enthusiasts. Rangiwahia Hut is on the site of the old skifield.

Activities in Western Ruahine Forest Park

You can enjoy walking, hunting, snow skiing, fishing, rafting and canoeing in the Western Ruahine Forest Park.

Places to stay

A network of huts are provided and maintained by the Department of Conservation throughout the park.

Plan & prepare

Ruahine Forest Park is characterised by a cool, cloudy climate with heavy rain at times. The area is renown for strong winds especially in the southern ranges.

Highlights:

Eastern Ruahine Forest Park

Ruahine Forest Park and its neighbouring parks form an almost continuous chain of protected lands along the central North Island ranges. Recreation opportunities include hunting, mountain biking and tracks for both experienced trampers and day walkers.

Manawatu volunteer opportunities

The Manawatu area Volunteer Programme requires volunteers year round to assist with an array of conservation and recreation projects.

Guides and commercial tourism providers

Find businesses that are DOC-approved to provide activities and services in Western Ruahine Forest Park.

Find out more

Publications

Western Ruahine Forest Park factsheet (PDF, 1890K)

Weather

Maps

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Learn more

Stop the spread of didymo

Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Have your say on conservation in your community

Safety

Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

Contacts

Manawatu Rangitikei Area Office
Phone:	+64 6 350 9700

Email:
Full office details