Last updated November 2026
The Mangakawa Track follows the Mangakawa Stream through the Mōrere Recreation Reserve, with views of waterfalls and small gorges. DOC grades it Advanced, gives 2 hr 30 min and calls it a challenging track for fit walkers. It continues from the Nikau Loop Track, which starts off Tunanui Road near the Mōrere Hot Springs on SH2.
The track has five stream crossings and a 50 m stretch along the stream bed. The reserve is about 58 km from Gisborne, and DOC suggests checking conditions at the Mōrere Hot Springs office in wet weather.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Mangakawa Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- From the Nikau Loop Track, Tunanui Road entrance (no formed car park)
- Distance from the city
- About 58 km from Gisborne
- Walking time
- 2 hr 30 min
- Track length
- 3 km
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Stream crossings
- Five, plus 50 m along the stream bed
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Mangakawa Track
The Mangakawa Track branches off the Nikau Loop and follows the Mangakawa Stream deeper into the reserve. Along the way are waterfalls and small gorges, which are the main reason to walk it.
Inside the reserve the track is well signposted and marked with orange arrows. It crosses the stream five times, and one 50 m section means walking or boulder hopping along the stream bed itself.
DOC describes it as challenging and suited to fit walkers in sturdy footwear. It links with the Ridge Track for a longer day in the Mōrere forest.
The Waterfalls
The stream-side route passes waterfalls and small gorges, giving the track a different feel from the forest and ridge walks nearby. Take care on wet rocks around the stream, and don’t cross if the water is up.
Track Conditions and Safety
DOC notes: “The track has five stream crossings.” Access may be difficult in wet weather, and DOC suggests checking track conditions at the Mōrere Hot Springs office if in doubt. Wear sturdy footwear. Check DOC before you go, tell someone your plans and use Plan My Walk.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Mangakawa Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Mōrere Springs area: the Nikau Loop, Ridge and other Mōrere tracks.
Plan My Walk: weather, track alerts and a trip plan to share before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Mangakawa Track take?
DOC gives 2 hr 30 min.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced and calls it a challenging track for fit walkers.
Are there stream crossings?
Yes, five, plus a 50 m stretch of walking or boulder hopping along the stream bed.
Where does it start?
From the Nikau Loop Track, off Tunanui Road near the Mōrere Hot Springs.
Can I take my dog?
No dogs.
What will I see?
Waterfalls and small gorges along the Mangakawa Stream.
Can I walk it in wet weather?
DOC says access may be difficult in wet weather; check conditions at the Mōrere Hot Springs office.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.