Mangaone Walkway

About the trail

Mangaone Walkway is a spectacular bush walk, historically known as Reikorangi Track. The trail follows lush native forest and wide open meadows — a great place to catch the sun on a nice day. 

To enjoy the most picturesque part of the trail, start at the southern end by walking over a swing bridge and entering Kaitawa Reserve. The track is narrow and includes tree roots and trip hazards. It then opens into meadows with colourful flowers in spring and plenty of great picnic spots. This is a lovely place to turn around and return to your starting point. 

Keep an eye out for smaller trails leading down to the Waikanae River. The river has great swimming holes which are perfect for cooling off in summer (or in winter if you’re brave).
If you’re up for a longer journey, continue to the northern end of the track to Mangaone North Road. At this end, the trail opens onto a 4WD road. Turn and follow the same trail back for the return trip, or arrange transport to pick you up.

Getting there

• Car parking is available at both road ends of the trail on Mangaone South Road and Mangaone North Road.
• To get to the southern entrance from Waikanae, take Elizabeth Street to Reikorangi Road. Turn left onto Ngatiawa Road and left again onto Mangaone South Road. Follow it until you see the car park at the road end.
• To get to the northern entrance, turn onto Otaki Gorge Road before the Otaki Bridge. Turn right onto Hautere Cross Road and from here you will find Mangaone North Road. Follow it until you see the car park at the road end.
• There is no public transport in this area. From the trail at Mangaone South Road, it’s a 10km walk to Waikanae town centre.

Know before you go

• Toilets are available at the Mangaone South Road car park.
• The most ideal route option is to start at the southern entrance, walk halfway along to the wide open meadow where the stream crosses, and turn around to come back again.
• The trail is very exposed in some places and it may be wet or muddy after heavy rain.
• Take warm waterproof clothing and durable footwear, sun protection and water.
• The trail is close to private land so please be considerate and take all rubbish with you.
• The trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies.
• Dogs and bikes are not allowed.