Day tramp to Mt Panatewaewae from Manakau

Climb Mt Panatewaewae from the Manakau Rd end. Park at the end of the sealed road at the closed gate. Walk along the 4WD track then turn left at the Mt Panatewaewae track turn off. Expect steep slippery sections. There may be the odd windfall to scramble through. It is a climb to 728m. It will be about 16.5kms return.

We travel at a steady pace and don't rush.
Whistle, emergency blanket, torch, light parka, GPS or map and compass, hat and gloves essential safety gear.
Do your own research, you are responsible for your own safety.
I plan to leave Paraparaumu at 7.30am and can pick people up from Waikanae at 7.45am with the intention of being on the route 8.30am

16.3km Length
846m Elevation gain
7 – 7.5 hr Estimated time
Out & back
This track follows the Panatewaewae Ridge in the foothills of the Tararua Forest Park, accessed near North Manakau Road. The track often follows old logging roads and spurs that climb steeply, making it a challenging tramping experience. Hikers undertaking this route need good navigation skills as the trail can be sparsely marked on the ridge and easily lost where fallen trees obscure the path. The walk provides rewarding views over the Horowhenua area from open sections of the ridge and is part of a complex network of tracks that circle the headwaters of the Panatewaewae and Waikawa Streams